Bendigo Weekly 1050

BendigoWeekly ISSUE 1050 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2017

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All set for the holidays STAY safe on the roads if you are travelling this Christmas. In their grand Buick Eight convertible, Rini and Barb Zysfelt are taking full advantage of the gorgeous weather we can expect over the holiday season, and the beautiful sights of central Victoria. For the full yuletide experience, they even packed the tree. Merry Christmas, one and all.

Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

■

Merry Christmas from all at the Weekly – Next issue on January 5, 2018

2 • NEWS

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Contact us 37-39 View Street, Bendigo Postal PO Box 324, Bendigo, 3552 Web www.bendigoweekly.com.au Phone 5440 2500 Fax 5441 4416 Sales advertising@bendigopublishing.com News 5440 2544 news@bendigopublishing.com Classifieds 1300 558 385 Email classifieds@bendigopublishing.com General Manager Peter Kennedy peter.kennedy@bendigopublishing.com

Regions top in drug use REGIONAL Victoria is leading the nation in the use of prescription drug oxycodone.

The testing of wastewater shows that while alcohol and nicotine are consistently the most consumed substances in Australia, ice is the biggest illicit concern and more oxycodone is consumed here than anywhere else in Australia.

The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission collects samples from six wastewater treatment plants in regional Victoria covering the major

population areas.

The agency would not confirm if Bendigo was a testing site, claiming anonymity was to protect the integrity of the program.

But it extrapolated trends for regional Victoria which show that people in the regions are using more ice and prescription drugs oxycodone and fentanyl than our Melbourne counterparts.

Significantly, the use of all three drugs increased in August 2017 from the last sample date in April.

Nationally, Victoria’s heroin

and oxycodone usage levels are among the highest.

Across the eight sites monitored in the state in August 2017 – two capital city sites and six regional sites – findings show Victoria had the highest heroin consumption levels in both capital city and regional sites nationally, with the state also reporting the highest regional oxycodone consumption levels nationally.

The ACIC uses the data collated by the University of Queensland and the University of South Australia to monitor the

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ST John of God Bendigo Hospital has recognised and celebrated 50 years of service from Ethel Gallagher to the St John of God Bendigo Hospital Auxiliary.

Every year the auxiliary raises funds for equipment to support the care of patients.

This has added up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

No glitz or glamour though, just through sheer effort and dogged persistence.

In early 1967 a sprightly young lady joined the Mt Alvernia Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.

This was merely the official start to her volunteering with the auxiliary.

In practice she and her husband Jim had been helping the FMDM Sisters and the hospital from before it opened in 1961.

Mrs Gallagher has seen significant amounts of change in her time as part of the auxiliary, as volunteers service manager James Breene said.

“I’m conscious that her support for our organisation, via the auxiliary, has spanned all the chapters of our hospital,” Mr Breene said.

“This includes the first 36 years with the Franciscan Missionaries of Divine Motherhood, the eight years we were part of the Mercy family and the past 11 years with St John of God. While fundraising has been a major focus of the effort Mrs Gallagher has given, the whole Gallagher family were also involved in getting the hospital up and running in the early 1960s, with her late husband Jim’s brickwork still

part of the hospital.

“Ethel helped sew curtains for St Francis House before it had even opened and also helped commission the new hospital on this campus in 1971,” Mr Breene said.

Mrs Gallagher turned 89 this year and while she has eight children, 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren of her own, she has always seen the hospital as an extension of her family.

“I’ve always thought of Mount Alvernia as my child. And then Mt Alvernia Mercy was my grandchild. And now St John of God is my great grandchild,” she said.

Mr Breene has said that the hospital simply wouldn’t have come to fruition without the dedication of people such as Mrs Gallagher.

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illegal drug trade.

Justice minister Michael Keenan launched the report alongside Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission CEO Michael Phelan.

“We already know that serious and organised crime groups are thriving on the profits generated through the illicit drug trade, with no regard for everyday Australians battling addiction,” Mr Phelan said.

The next wastewater report will be the fourth in the national crime project.

Ethel marks 50 years of service

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Police on the lookout

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

By joel peterson

NO matter the day or the time, drivers doing the wrong thing on central Victorian roads over the holiday period will be caught, according to police.

Victoria Police will zero in on driver behaviour over the Christmas and new year period in a bid to save lives during a traditionally hectic period on Victorian roads.

The state-wide Operation Roadwise began on Friday and continues through until January 7, with a focus on improving driver behaviour and reducing road trauma.

Police in Bendigo have been out at all hours conducting breath tests and checking vehicle speeds and will continue to do so over the 24 days the operation runs for.

Bendigo Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Ian Brooks said speed, drink and drug driving will be the main targets of the focus in the early stages.

Over Christmas and the new year police will encourage drivers to monitor fatigue levels as they embark on long trips. “This isn’t just highway patrol, but all police units in between jobs, will be carrying out these checks,� he said. “If you are doing the wrong thing you will be caught and you will only have yourself to blame.�

Victoria Police’s Road Policing

Command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryers said road users need to think about the consequences of their actions.

He said last year with the same operation 14 people died in 24 days.

Another 233 were seriously injured.

Bendigo is not listed by Victoria Police as a high-priority area, but Snr Sgt Brooks said the operation would be no less focussed locally. “We’ll have no less monitoring than anywhere else in the state. We’ll still have state highway patrol coming from Melbourne and booze buses coming into our area,� he said. “We haven’t been listed as high priority, but that doesn’t mean we’ll do this in a half measure. “It isn’t just in daylight hours.

This operation will be running around the clock.�

Snr Sgt Brooks said the main causes of fatalities and serious injuries will be targeted, including excessive speed, mobile phone use and driver distraction, seatbelts, fatigue and drink and drug drivers.

But it isn’t just police that the responsibility lies with, the whole community has a role to play in getting friends and family home safely. “There is no tolerance. There is no excuse for it and I have no sympathy for anyone who is caught drink driving at any hour of the day,� he said. “This operation is focussed purely on getting people to their destina-

after its historic associations.

For example, the overall venue will be called MacKenzie quarters and the function centre MacKenzie Hall.

The basement tavern will be called Batty’s Bar after Ms Batterham, a teacher.

The courtyard bar will be the Old School Yard. In dealing with the historic elements of the building, the development plan said the proposed works predominately do not involve disruption to the brick, stone and iron fencing associated with the school and stable block which are primary contributors to the significant of the site.

While some internal brickwork associated with the stable block is proposed to be removed it is considered appropriate given the outcome of the overall development.

we wish our clients a

Merry Christmas

roadwise: Senior Constable Andrews, Constable McAnulty and Senior Sergeant Brooks. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN tion and home again safely. “The last thing we want to do is to go and knock on someone’s door and tell them they’re going to have a spare seat at the Christmas table. “But it’s not just us, it’s not just

THE first thing new Bendigo Health chief executive Peter Faulkner will tell you is that he doesn’t spend much time in his office. “Come in and do a quick few emails and then nick off and do something else,� Mr Faulkner said just days into his new role. “I get out and about and interact with staff and patients and I certainly have tried to make myself very available and accessible to staff and some of the ways to do that is to go to where they are rather than expect them to come to you.�

Mr Faulkner is already a familiar presence in the position, having acted as chief executive since February when his predecessor stood aside pending the results of a Bendigo Health board investigation. The public got some insight into the ways of doing things at the hospital, particularly associated with the building of the new $630

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healthy role: Peter Faulkner. million facility.

In March, the Independent Broad-based AntiCorruption Commission released a report focussing on the behaviour of Mr Mulder and construction manager Adam Hardinge, who had already fronted court.

Mr Mulder was never charged with profiting from Bendigo Health resources that IBAC accused him of.

Mr Faulkner certainly was aware of the fall out for the organisation’s staff. “There is always that kind of reflection on everybody and we all felt that, including myself,� he said.

But the government and the board had confidence in the leadership of the organisation to get on with it (after Mr Mulder stood aside). “I think that was a very important step in demonstrating confidence.�

The solution, according to Mr Faulkner, is to make himself accessible enough for staff to tell him anything. “The need for our staff to believe that the organisation they are working for is an organisation of integrity is just so vitally important,� he said. “Our staff represent three to four per cent of the population in Bendigo, so they are important ambassadors for us as well as representatives of the community.

“I think we have seen a shift and we have also done some very formal things about improving our structures and processes and providing a strong framework to prevent any fraudulent or corrupt activity. “But it really comes down to the people in the first instance, and the culture, and if we have that right, that will be transparent to the community and our community will have confidence and faith in us. “The reality is that most people who touch our services, patients and visitors, have a positive experience, in the main, and we see many tens of thousands of people every year.�

With brand new infrastructure, there are major changes ahead for Bendigo which includes adjusting its scope out to the broader region that comprises its catchment area. – Sharon Kemp

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the police. It’s time for the community to stand up and say ‘we’re going to take some responsibility for the trauma that’s on our roads’ and I know a lot of community members have been doing that.

Hands-on approach from new CEO

Historic hall to be a tavern A $1 million redevelopment of an historic school hall and stables near the Bendigo Art Gallery will give the city and another function centre, tavern and cafe.

Plans have been submitted to the City of Greater Bendigo to redevelop the currently-vacant old school hall on MacKenzie Street, most recently the View Hill op shop, and convert the heritage stables behind the building to a courtyard bar.

A rooftop garden and kerbside cafe is also included in the plans.

A tavern is also proposed for the basement of the property, accessible from View Lane which is the former carriageway to the stables.

The Melbourne-based developer is proposing to name the sections of the business

news • 3

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Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

news • 5

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McKenzie the minister

By Sharon kemp

VICTORIAN Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie was sworn in yesterday as the minister for sport, regional communications and rural health, but not without her party’s leader Barnaby Joyce first defending her promotion.

Senator McKenzie, also the new deputy leader of the Nationals, has an electoral office in Bendigo and has served in the Senate for six years, but she has had no experience in a ministerial role.

She and fellow ministerial debutant David Littleproud gained seats in cabinet at the expense of Nationals MP Darren Chester who was in charge of in-

new portfolio: Bridget McKenzie. frastructure, a portfolio Mr Joyce picked up in this week’s reshuffle.

Mr Joyce said the party could not accommodate two Victorian MPs in the cabinet, but there was speculation yesterday of an internal party split because of his choices for cabinet.

Ms McKenzie said on her facebook account it was an honour to be named in a cabinet with people who so strongly represent rural and regional Australians.

Liberal MP John McVeigh picked up the portfolio of regional development.

Ms McKenzie’s Victorian colleague Damien Drum, who was based in Bendigo in his state electorate until running for Federal Parliament last year, will be her assistant as deputy party leader.

She will take over from Fiona Nash – who was disqualified from continuing in office under the challenge to citizenship rules – in regional communications, rural health and as deputy leader.

That will give her jurisdiction over funding for the Murray Darling Medical School being proposed by La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University with a campus in Bendigo.

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia yesterday welcomed her appointment.

“Senator McKenzie’s long involvement with rural communities, and advocacy for rural health services, makes her a very worthy appointee as minister for rural

health,” association president Adam Coltzau said.

“She has engaged actively with RDAA and its rural doctor members at numerous meetings and events we have organised over many years.

“And she has a strong understanding of the crucial role of rural doctors, the entire rural healthcare team and rural hospitals in underpinning the health and viability of regional, rural and remote communities.

“We also welcome the reinstatement of rural health as a stand-alone portfolio in the federal government, and its inclusion in the federal cabinet with Senator McKenzie as minister.”

New yellow lines mean no parking

great gifts: Hannah Lewis and Tara Free with Santa. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

Santa makes a trip to the hospital

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He met with patients in the children’s ward and then went to see newborns and their families

in the women’s ward.

It will be one of his last visits before the big day next week.

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Santa made a special and early visit to Bendigo Health on Tuesday in the lead up to Christmas.

New yellow lines to indicate no stopping are beginning to appear on some local Bendigo roads including sections of Somerville, Houston and Lowndes Street and around fire station driveways with more expected in the future.

City of Greater Bendigo council’s Brett Martini said while even the most knowledgeable drivers may not realise what the yellow lines mean, a national road rule has existed since 2009.

“Under the national road rule a yellow line may be painted along a kerb to indicate no parking in that area. This yellow line may be used in conjunction with a no stopping sign or used instead of one, so drivers should not assume just because there is no sign that they are allowed to park there,” Mr Martini said.

“The yellow lines are used to ensure the safety of all road users and no parking areas at locations where parking will impair visibility for other motorists, the road is too narrow for parking or it is too close to an intersection or a slip lane.

“The yellow lines were introduced to decrease the number of road signs and clutter on streets, which can sometimes distract and confuse motorists.”

Stopping in a zone with indicated yellow lines will result in a parking fine in most locations and a fine and the loss of two demerit points in a school zone.

“The council is urging motorists to familiarise themselves with the yellow line rules to avoid receiving a fine,” Mr Martini said.

Yellow lines will also be installed by VicRoads along sections of the duplicated Napier Street.

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Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017

Harcourt mountain bike park on track More than two thirds of the 34-kilometre trail network at Harcourt’s new mountain bike park has been constructed as the project moves towards its scheduled completion early next year.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards last week inspected progress on the works being delivered by the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning with funding from the Regional Tourism and Infrastructure Fund.

“Mountain bike riders will have a new word-class trail network to explore around Harcourt and Mount Alexander thanks to the Victorian government’s $1.99 million investment,” she said.

planning ahead: DELWP’s Russell Manning with Maree Edwards MP.

“The Harcourt Mountain Bike Park project will create 57 jobs and generate $9.8m in visitor spending within five years.”

“The new 34km trail network is on track for completion in early 2018 and will build on the popularity of the Goldfields Track.”

There is an established mountain bike culture in the region and Mt Alexander is informally known as a place for riders to visit but it does not have proper standard trails to meet the growing interest.

The trails will be well signposted and accessible by new connections to Harcourt, and the park will also provide a meeting point and toilets.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Bendigo Tourism Board, members and partners would like to thank the Bendigo Community for your ongoing support of the tourism industry throughout 2017.

We wish you all a happy festive season and a prosperous New Year.

Don’t forget, if you’ve got visiting friends or relatives coming to stay with you during the holidays, be sure to sign up for your FREE Bendigo Ambassador Pass for some fantastic discounts that will save you money when showing your guests around!

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Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

news • 7

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Heat impacts rail times lines recorded punctuality figures below the 92 per cent standard, with only Swan Hill/Echuca services exceeding the target.

Bendigo’s figure was the third worst in the state, with only Gippsland trains and the long-distance service to Bairnsdale recording lower rates of punctuality.

V/Line CEO James Pinder blamed the delays on shared section of track with metropolitan services and more train faults than usual.

“We are working through the issues and improving our interface with metropolitan services is an important part of that plan,” he said.

The new contract between the state government and Metro Trains has been identified as one

By joel peterson

V/LINE continues to fight a losing battle with train punctuality as hot weather and further delays on the network loom in summer.

The rail operator recorded a punctuality figure of 80.7 per cent in November, down more than nine per cent on figures from October.

It was also the worst result for Bendigo services since January, with V/Line’s stretch of not having reached the on-time target dating back to May, 2015.

V/Line said in a statement its network-wide result of 85.8 per cent was “one of its highest” in the past 12 months, but remains well under the target set by Public Transport Victoria.

All but one of the network’s

way to improve performance, by providing a more reliable path for V/Line services on Metro tracks.

V/Line was left to talk up its reliability, with Bendigo services running as scheduled 96.5 per cent of the time, 0.5 per cent above its target.

But that figure was below the network average of 97.8 per cent and one of only four lines to record reliability of less than 97.5 per cent.

It comes as hot weather caused the first heat restrictions this week, which are a regular disruption to services through summer. The network’s hot weather plan comes into action when the temperature is at or exceeds 36 degrees and sees trains slow down to 90

kilometres per hour.

Geelong trains will not have as heavy a restriction imposed if the temperature is between 36 and 39 degrees, with trains still able to travel at 130km/h.

But when the temperature exceeds 39º, the 90km/h limit will be enforced.

Mr Pinder said V/Line was planning to roll out a similar approach to other lines across its network as it continues to upgrade tracks and infrastructure.

Bendigo services have been affected by both heat and planned maintenance, with no trains running last weekend due to works.

The government also started the tender process for the Bendigo and Eaglehawk station developments this week.

Bendigo takes the challenge BENDIGO police have come out tops across the state in the Movember challenge.

The team of 21, named Bendigo Hot Fuzz, pulled in $7050 part of a state total of $27,858.

Team captain, Sergeant Tony Kekich, said Hot Fuzz was one of seven Victoria Police teams throughout the state, with a total of 104 participating members.

The nearest competitor was Darebin Mo’s 2017, $400 behind the Hot Fuzz total.

The Movember Foundation attended the Bendigo police station on Tuesday to present the Victoria Police Challenge Perpetual Shield to the Bendigo team.

The foundation’s Kieran Ryan congratulated the team.

“It was great to see the shield leave the metropolitan area and make its way to Bendigo,” he said.

wiNners: Mo Bro Kieran Ryan and Tony Kekich with some of the Bendigo Police team. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

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Re-imagine the creek In an Australian first, the City of Greater Bendigo will partner with La Trobe University to bring the successful CityStudio project to Bendigo.

Created in Vancouver, CityStudio is an innovation hub where council staff, students, and members of the community co-create experimental projects.

In Bendigo, CityStudio will see 20 students from a range of disciplines try to come up with ways to re-imagine the Bendigo Creek.

La Trobe University will run a subject worth double credit points in June and July 2018.

Students will be based in Bendigo.

Council’s Trevor Budge said Bendigo would be the first place in Australia to implement the program.

“Vancouver city and its public postsecondary education providers have been running this project successfully for many years, so it’s very exciting for Bendigo to be able to be part of it,” Mr Budge said.

“Thousands of students have been involved in hundreds of projects since it began.

“The idea is to get a broad mix of students from a range of disciplines including business, engineering, community development, urban planning, history and archaeology, to focus their collective skills and knowledge on a problem or project that is real, not abstract.

“We have chosen the re-imagining of the Bendigo Creek as the project to focus on as its one of the city’s largest and most important public assets.”

At the end of the subject, students will present their ideas to the mayor and councillors.

“This project is great for students because it gives them an opportunity to apply their skills in a real life situation, not just in the classroom,” Mr Budge said.

“And it’s good for the council because we get to tap into a range of skills and ideas we may not otherwise have, as well as create pathways for young people who may seek a career in local government.”

La Trobe University Bendigo campus head Robert Stephenson said the initiative was an opportunity for the university to highlight the skills being developed by its students and the impact they could have in creating the future of Bendigo.

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Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017

CONGRATULATIONS GIRTON 2017 YEAR 12 STUDENTS

To the Gir ton Grammar School Year 12 Gr

aduates of 2017

On behalf of the School Board and teaching staff, my fullest congratulations to you on outstanding VCE results. With an average ATA R of 83 and 35% of the cohort ranking in the top 10% of the State, we could not be prou der.

You have been a cohort of fine role models for our younger students and you have set a tone of commitment, enthusiasm and resp ect that has been actively emulated within the student body this year.

I commend you for responding in a positive way to the academic and behavioural expectations that we place on all students . You have demonstrated in myriad ways that high expectations which are reasonable create classroom environments that are conducive to learning and to the development of peer grou ps which support one another in ever y way .

Creating an academic environment demand s hard wor k and a fierce determination on the part of school leaders and teachers, sust ained year after year, and supported at hom e.

Therefore, as you celebrate the completion of your formal schooling year s, I encourage you to share your successes and to express than ks to those who have nurtured you along the way.

I deeply thank the parents, families, friends and carers who have so willingly supporte d this wonderful Year 12 cohort and who have refl ected at home the values espoused by the school, making students feel safe and confi dent, and providing foundations for persona l growth.

Schools with solid academic outcomes typic ally enjoy a safe, fun and supportive culture.

This is something that proudly defines Girt on Grammar School and I thank each of you for reaffirming this culture during your time at the school.

I hope you leave Girton Grammar School with a continued desire to learn, to question and to keep developing personally and intellect ually. You are commended on your effort and commitment to being the best that you can be and I know you understand that for thos e to whom much has been given, much is expecte d in return.

I wish you fullest contentment in all facets of your life and I look forward to your con tinued connection to our wonderful school through the Old Girtonians’ Association.

Yours sincerely

Matthew F. Mar uff Headmaster Girton Grammar School Ltd ACN 057 292 752

ABN 99 057 292 752 105

MacKenzie St Bendigo Vic 3550 Tel (03) 5441 3114

Fax (03) 5442 3176 Email: reception@girton.vic.edu.au

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

Crisis mars year

By Sharon kemp

her British citizenship before the 2013 federal election was a matter of finding out her grandparents’ birth dates, details not easy to find.

“I was Facebook messaging cousins to ask them for an aunty’s phone number so I can give her a call in the UK to find out my grandmother’s birthday,” she said.

“We are talking about grandparents and it is little bit easier for me because I am 37 but some people’s parents and grandparents have passed away and that information is harder to come by.”

Highlights during the year included the progress of Thales producing its

first Hawkei, the passing of the same sex marriage bill and Easter in Bendigo.

“It is just an honour to be part of the Golden Dragon team and with the Bendigo Chinese community and be part of Easter,” Ms Chesters said.

She claims to have lobbied for federal funding for a new imperial dragon to be made next year in Hong Kong.

But independent senator Derryn Hinch ended up delivering the final sum that took the total fund raised amount to $900,000.

Budget papers released this week showed the promised sum to be $300,000.

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Care at hand for mothers THE gifts have been rolling in for young mothers and their children in need.

Caregivers have donated essential household items, vouchers and toys to go the mother and baby unit, a new initiative of St John of God Health Care’s Horizon House Young Mother and Baby Program.

The service’s four-bedroom residential facility is now open.

The program supports young women aged between 16 and 22 who are experiencing or are at serious risk of homelessness during their pregnancy and up to the child’s third birthday.

It is one of St John of God’s social outreach services, aimed at areas of unmet need.

The services are available to all members of the community free of charge or at minimal cost.

St John of God’s Ros Fahey said Bendigo had been chosen as the first location in Victoria for the program because the level of need was found to be greater than in other regional centres that were under consideration.

“The program is structured to provide early intervention,” Ms Fahey said.

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IF Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters describes 2017 as messy, she managed to keep herself clean despite spoiling for fights in the policy fields of education and regional jobs, and at home on the issue of federal government funding for the new Chinese dragon.

But citizenship and its distraction is why, for her, this year was particularly difficult.

“I would describe it as messy because parliament is chaos and I feel for anyone who visits question time,” she said.

“I find it really hard to sit and listen to people

who lie, and spin, and go the other direction.

“To me this is not theatre, it is our federal parliament.”

Ms Chesters predicts the citizenship controversy will continue into the new year with a question over whether the Coalition will set a precedent by referring five Labor MPs to the High Court.

“In all the cases, Labor is arguing they have satisfied previous High Court rulings which is to the best of my ability to renounce citizenship,” she said.

“It is messy, it is ugly and unfortunately I don’t think it is over.”

In her own case, Ms Chesters said renouncing

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Buy plan blocked

Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017 NO GO: The ACCC has ruled against BP buying Woolworths service stations.

By SHARON KEMP

But that advantage would be challenged under THE competition watchdog BP’s plan in partnership with has blocked a bid by BP Woolworths.

Australia to buy Woolworths “BP believes that this service stations, a deal transaction and the partnerthat would have given the ship with Woolworths would multinational at least four bring a compelling new offer more outlets in Bendigo. to Australian consumers that The Australian Competi- would transform convention and Consumer Com- ience retailing in Australia,” mission has announced it BP Australia president Andy will oppose the deal.

Holmes said.

The move follows testi“It would be the first of its mony at a Victorian govern- kind for Australia’s growing ment enquiry into regional convenience sector, bringing fuel prices which are regard- together BP’s quality fuels, ed as being routinely higher Woolworths Rewards and a than in Melbourne. new range of high quality, During hearings in Mel- fresh take-home food. bourne, independent fuel “BP has had great sucretailer APCO complained cess rolling out similar offers markets in regional Victoria with its partners in the UK, FUNERALS & were uncompetitive because Germany, South Africa and of discounting tactics by the other parts of the world.”

PRE - PAID FUNERALS major supermarket chains The ACCC has opposed using shopper dockets. the deal purely on the effect APCO, with two service on fuel prices. stations in Bendigo, testi“We consider that BP fied its outlets remained acquiring Woolworths’ servcompetitive in the midst of ice stations will be likely to discounting because of extra substantially lessen compeincome generated by its on- tition in the retail supply of site convenience stores. fuel,” ACCC chairman Rod

Sims said.

“Woolworths is a vigorous and effective competitor which has an important influence on fuel prices and price cycles in many markets throughout the country.

Many consumers seeking out cheaper petrol will head to Woolworths petrol stations.”

“BP prices are significantly higher on average than Woolworths prices in the major capital cities. BP gen-

erally increases prices faster than Woolworths during price increase phases, and is slower to discount during the price discounting phase of cycles.”

The commission said if the acquisition went ahead it would impose the condition that BP and Woolworths must limit shopper docket and loyalty scheme discounts to no more than four cents per litre.

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A Melbourne-based developer has proposed the $750,000 fuel station would include 12 pumps for cars and three for trucks.

It will be built on the Midland Highway with access from the Huntly-Fosterville

Road, and behind onto Greene Street.

Plans, lodged with the City of Greater Bendigo, show the station also includes a convenience store and a truck stop particularly catering for B-doubles.

The service station would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Bendigo Weekly contacted the developer for comment.

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Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017

VCE RESULTS 2017

All-important tally revealed It has been a tense wait for students around the state, but last week the VCE results finally came in.

Simple approach led to the right result your sixth subject,” she said.

She and Caitlin Allman both hope to study bio-medicine in Melbourne next year.

Caitlin’s interest in the field was furthered by her studies in health and human development.

“I found it was a really interesting subject and it leads into what I want to do,” she said.

There was no secret really “I want to go into medicine and take that over to developing countries, so it was really interesting to learn about that.”

The rest of her subjects were maths and science-based, with English language being the exception.

Caitlin is yet another student that advocates for having a balance of subjects and doing the classes you have an interest in.

“I enjoy maths, so sometimes it was my break subject anyway, but it was good to have a few different ones in there,” she said.

Joe Kenny is another good example of how hobbies outside of school can often prove vital to academic success.

Kenny played football for Eaglehawk and Bendigo Senior Secondary College, and also represented the Bendigo Football Netball League at under-18 level.

“It was just good to have something to go to that was a bit of fun,” he said.

“You’re still doing all your work, but you have something else to look forward to as well.”

Joe is planning a gap year in 2018 while Kate and Caitlin both hope to go straight to university in Melbourne. And Rory, well, he’s not quite sure.

“Next year I need to have a year off. I just need to take a break, it’s been a lot to handle,” he said.

“I’m going to save up some money and hopefully go to university in Melbourne.

“But I really need a break before that.”

HANDY SCORE: Joe Kenny, Kate Salvador, Caitlin Allman and Rory Day.

LEADERS: Imogen Sexton, Jessica McCarthy and Lillian Maher. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN

Music the key for top-rated student CATHOLIC College Bendigo dux Jessica McCarthy says music was a big part of her getting through year 12.

And she hopes to turn that passion into an ability to help others.

Jessica was one of three girls to top CCB’s academic results list, alongside Imogen Sexton and Lillian Maher.

The school’s musician of the year in 2018, she is headed to Monash University in Melbourne to study music but hopes to combine it with her interest in psychology to head into the field of music therapy.

“Having done psychology will be definitely pretty handy there,” she said.

“Hopefully I can use it to help other people.”

She wasn’t the only member of the trio to have an award-winning year.

Imogen won the school’s Ledwidge Medal as the outstanding female athlete for her netball pursuits with both the school and Sandhurst, the latter of which she played with in an A-grade premiership.

“It was good to have netball to go to, it provided a really good balance for me,” she said.

“When school was be-

coming a bit stressful I’d always have netball which was a good chance to catch up with friends and just have something I really love doing.”

Lillian had an extra special day when results were released on Friday, not only did she achieve an ATAR of 97.9 but she was awarded an academic

Hopefully I can use it to help other people excellence scholarship to Deakin University.

Her subjects were structured around her love of science – again, with physical education thrown in for that all-important balance – and it’s a path she will follow through further study.

“I found out today I actually got a scholarship, so it’s been a good day so far,” she said.

“So I’m going to do wildlife conservation and biology. I don’t have a job

in mind so much, but I just chose the course than I wanted to study.”

While Jessica and Lillian have their future set out, Imogen says she will be giving it some considered thought in coming days.

It wasn’t just year 12 students that had strong results, with year 11 student Joshua Hamilton scoring a perfect 50 in further maths.

The school was quick to keep things in perspective. While ATAR results are important, careers practitioner Ben Goode said SIX DOLLAR SATURDAY they aren’t the be-all-and$6 Admission end-all.

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“The most important thing is to take stock of the day, review your preferences and do not change them based on what you think you will get into, but rather what you want to get into.”

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BENDIGO Senior Secondary College dux Rory Day’s approach to his year 12 studies may have been extremely simple, but it was just as effective.

“There was no secret really, apart from just doing the work,” he said.

Rory was one of four BSSC students to score above 95 when results came out last Friday.

All four were called into the school to celebrate their results, though Rory had some explaining to do to his boss to ensure he could make it.

“I actually just had to leave work early. My boss was fine with it though, he was really happy,” Rory said.

Not all his classmates had the same laid-back approach, but their way of doing things was just as effective.

Kate Salvador scored 97.4 and did two year 12 subjects while in year 11, in part to lighten the study load this year.

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Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

news • 13

www.bendigoweekly.com.au

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Girton head pays tribute to staff and students a bit fractious and essentially say ‘you’re in this together’,” he said.

“Over the past year especially they have been brilliant, and I think that shows in the results.”

Alex O’Shea could relate to exactly that.

“I found that the people I worked with most became the people I also came to trust most in the world. You spend so much

They have been brilliant, and I think that shows time together and you’re all going through the same things, so your cohort becomes like your family,” he said.

The future career paths are as diverse as you could imagine, with some wanting to be pilots, others headed into medical fields and those heading into trade industries.

One year 12 student, Darcy Hayen, hopes to land an electrical engineering apprenticeship.

That looked the furthest thing from possible when he had brain surgery after a complication with a

We will be closed Dec 25th, 26th and Jan 1st. seemingly simple sinus infection.

“He is an amazing kid. I went Don’t forget that a perfect gift is a living one. to visit him in hospital and said See our fabulous range of plants and gifts.

I looked forward to shaking his hand at the valedictory dinner,” Mr Maruff said.

“When it came to the night he walked onto stage and gave me a big hug. I think everyone is really proud of him.”

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GIRTON Grammar School headmaster Matthew Maruff has paid tribute to the dedication of his staff and students after the college’s year 12 cohort achieved outstanding ATAR results.

More than a third of Girton’s year 12 students achieved scores of more than 90, five students achieved scores of at least 99 and student Alexander Nielsen got a perfect ATAR of 99.95.

Nielsen also achieved a perfect study score of 50 in French, while Jarrod Slot scored 50 for systems engineering.

Nielsen was joined by Alexander O’Shea, Jake Fletcher, Milos Babovic and Hritik John as the group of Girton students to score at least 95.

While they were competitive among themselves, an extremely proud Mr Maruff said their friendship also helped them succeed in their studies.

“They got to a point in the year where they knew they were going to be competitive with each other so they started an online document spreadsheet,” he said.

“Every time they were marked they put it in there and all kept a track of how each other was doing.”

Mr Maruff said that camaraderie is evident across the year level.

“It’s like a big family, really.

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All change for Christmas recycling and organics RESIDENTS who are due for a waste, recycling or organics collection on Christmas day Monday, December 25, should put their bins out by 6am on Boxing Day and they will be collected either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

City of Greater Bendigo council’s Brooke Pearce said waste, recycling and organics is collected on all public holidays except on Christmas day and Good Friday.

“This Christmas we have decided to have our truck drivers catch up the missed collections over the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We are asking residents

to please leave their bins kerbside until our drivers arrive to empty them,” Ms Pearce said.

“In the past if Christmas fell on a Monday or Tuesday we have collected on the Saturday before but this has often resulted in confusion for some residents.

“This year we wanted to ensure that the collection was after Christmas day. This way residents can dispose of their general, organic or recyclable waste after Christmas day rather than before.”

Only collections due on Christmas day are affected all other collections over

HARTLEY’S HUNTING &

the holiday season will take place on their usual day of the week.

“Residents are also reminded to recycle all wrapping paper and cardboard boxes this Christmas,” Ms Pearce said.

“So many toys and gifts are packed in boxes and we encourage people to remove any plastic and pop their cardboard and gift wrap into their recycling bin.

“I also ask residents to encourage their visiting family and friends to place all food scraps and leftovers including meat, bones, fruit, salads and snacks in the organic bin.”

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Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017

Support teams ease the way

By SHARON KEMP

IT has been more than a year since the vacancy notice, but the time has come when all residents must leave the Central City Caravan Park.

And most have, the exception being a few who have decided to find their own exit from the secure and familiar community of the park, into a foreign world of private rentals, public housing or moving in with the kids.

It has been a stressful year for most of the 58 people who owned a residence at the caravan park, ideally located in the heart of Golden Square, a bus trip from the city centre, affordable and with its own swimming pool, maintained grounds and security.

But in November last year, park manager Christine Norman called a meeting, and upset, handed out notices to vacate by December 29, 2017.

She and husband John had been told by the land owners their lease would not be renewed, and everything must be gone by March 2018.

Shortly after this, support services moved in to offer support to the residents.

They found many of them stressed about the prospect that they would be homeless.

“A lot of the people were elderly, some had medical needs and the personal toll on the residents was enormous,” Haven; Home, Safe support services general manager Donna Gillard said.

“

park was unlikely to bring enough to buy somewhere else.

Still, moving was inevitable.

“It is just changing their whole life basically,” Ms Gillard said.

“Budgeting was a big part of it, they would then have to connect the utilities so that was an extra cost on top of that they were paying.

“A lot of them didn’t understand different rent mod-

Some had medical needs... the personal toll on the residents was enormous

“The stress of moving, some of them had been there for up to 15 years.”

Now they would have to navigate the rental market, a different public transport system and a new household budget. The caravan park’s affordable sites had attracted residents who had limited incomes.

The commentary at the time was that it would be difficult to house them in Bendigo where affordable rentals are scarce and the sale of their house at the

“

14 • NEWS

els, they didn’t want to move into public housing.

“So a lot of the work that [Haven] did was around just explaining how things worked because if you haven’t had to rent a property in the last 16 years, you wouldn’t know.”

Communications director Sue Masters said she remembered in the early weeks the shock that greeted the announcement.

“My understanding in very general terms is that in the very beginning there was BARE BLOCKS: Most homes have been moved.

Learn to swim, it’s fun!

Swimming provides opportunities for people, both young and old to exercise or play and to be safe in the water.

Please direct all enquiries about lessons directly to the pool you are interested in or via www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/pools

Many of Greater Bendigo’s community pools offer swimming lessons which are run during the week and are predominately for school aged children.

Lessons are available for the 2017/18 season at the following:

Bendigo Aquatic Centre January 2-19, 10am – 2pm Register at www.vicswim.com.au

Heathcote Swimming Pool January 2-19, 10am – 2pm Register at www.vicswim.com.au

Marong Swimming Pool January 2-19, 10am – 2pm Register at www.vicswim.com.au

Elmore Swimming Pool Each Tuesday for 12 weeks commencing December 12 (excluding December 27), Time TBC Register at swim@splashnlearn.com.au or phone 5484 2443

Bendigo East Swimming Pool Term 4 2017, 4pm – 5.30pm Register at admin@sloanswimschool.com.au or phone 0413 462 112 January 2-19, 9am – 12pm Register at www.vicswim.com.au Term 1 2018, 4pm – 5.30pm Register at admin@sloanswimschool.com.au or phone 0413 462 112 Private Lessons To be negotiated Register at admin@sloanswimschool.com.au or phone 0413 462 112

VOLUNTEERS WANTED! FOR OUR ADOPTION CATTERY

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Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

NEWS • 15

www.bendigoweekly.com.au

FINAL DAYS FOR CARAVAN PARK

END OF THE ROAD: The park is closed.

Residents find haven

Bendig Wee kly

CHANGED: The park this week, and RIGHT: How the Weekly reported the story. some resistance and that is to be expected,” she said.

“Some of the tenants down there were hoping there would be a change of heart, that was never going to be case but I think they were in denial.

“There was such a long lead time, in those circumstances, it is quite common for people to want to put that off.

“But as time has moved on, they came to realise the decision wasn’t going to be reversed, the park was definitely closing.

“People came to that conclusion in their own time.

“Initially there was a lot of discussion, (the City of Greater Bendigo) was heavily involved in the beginning, as was the Department of Health and Human Services.

“There was a lot of discussion between them and the caravan park manager, and in the very early days, advocacy group Housing for the Aged Action Group was engaged, so there was a number of different people all working together to bring around the best solution for the tenants who were there.”

Ms Gillard said when it was time to organise the move “a lot of them were really willing to en-

ISSUE 993 FRIDAY, NO VEMBER

gage with the support, but some people didn’t want the support, or didn’t need it”.

“We captured everyone at the beginning and everyone was assessed and then it was their choice whether or not they engaged,” she said.

“Right throughout the process our services were voluntary.”

11, 2016

www.bendigo

weekly.com.au

End of the road for caravan park

DISTRAUGHT: Caravan park tears after tellin oper g residents of ator Christine Norman was brought the closure. to Photo: ANDR

MORE than 90 erly and sup residents, most eldported, will lose their homes afte r the Melbou rne owner of land occu pied by the City Central Caravan Park asked the leas to close thei eholders r business and remove all buildin gs, cabins and vans by March 2018.

Christine and Joh n Nor operated the man have Golden Squ for 13 years are park but started asking questions of the land owner ago when they five years susp ecte d they may be asked to leave.

They were right, and a solicitor and barriste r hav lease agreeme e gone through the nt vacant possess and confirmed that ion, which also without tena nts, is how they means turn the prim mu e parcel of land st re.

MODEL CITY EW PERRYMAN

4Continued Page

SAD TIMES: Some residents had lived at the park for 15 years.

276 Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo

5

ALMOST all of the 38 Central City Caravan Park residents who accepted relocation help from Haven; Home, Safe were housed in Bendigo.

This is despite concerns a year ago that there would not be enough affordable accommodation to rehouse residents, most of whom were elderly and some who had medical needs.

Some of there residents had moved to the Golden Square caravan park when one of the only other parks in Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park, closed in 2013.

Where they have resettled shows the diversity of their circumstances and options available in central Victoria.

Haven data shows that its outreach team helped 15 people to secure a Department of Health and Human Services unit. This included three couples.

Two couples and two individuals gained housing in private rental properties and another six people have chosen to seek a property in the private rental market independently.

Three of the people who have chosen to seek housing independently have not yet been successful and may ask to reengage with Haven at the end of December if they have not found other housing by then.

One couple was helped to secure housing in a Haven property.

Two people were supported into an independent living aged care residence.

Another person was assisted to gain an independent living unit through Vincent Care.

Others sought the help of family and friends, one person by their brother to move into a unit purchased by the family, another moved to Mildura to live with a friend and another moved in with her daughter.

One person died.

One person is still being assisted and of the short term renters, most have left or have made definite plans to move on.

(5 doors up from Gillies Corner next door to J.m. leeCh Jewellers)

16 • news

www.bendigoweekly.com.au

V I E W P O I N T opinion letters

Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017 Contributions are not guaranteed to be included and may be edited for reasons of style or content. They will not be eligible for consideration if they contain defamatory material, or information of a personal nature which is not in the public domain. Name and address must be supplied. Letters should be no more than 250 words.

email: letters@bendigopublishing.com PO Box 324, Bendigo 3552

White-ant forest values The City of Greater Bendigo’s cagey plan to develop local forest areas into an extensive mountain bike park will white-ant environmental values.

Creating a high density 50-kilometre network of trails throughout a large part of the Bendigo Regional Park for mountain bike races will permanently damage the area’s conservation values.

Legitimate long-term forest users will also be negatively affected or excluded by the plan.

Without first consulting relevant community groups who have a long association to the forest area, council has spent thousands of ratepayer’s funds developing detailed trail plans that will directly affect other user’s values.

In a backward step for regional park management, the council wants to use trail sections that have been illegitimately created without proper approvals.

These trails should have been immediately closed and rehabilitated for the wildlife that relies on this habitat.

The actual economic benefits of the proposed mountain bike park are sketchy at best and likely to be over-hyped, however, the environmental cost will be real for the wildlife displaced from their habitat by high frequency bike traffic passing repeatedly through the bush.

No matter how it’s dressed-up to appear as “sustainable”, bulldozing trails through the bush is not environmentally friendly or benign.

With the recent $1.9 million government investment in the Harcourt Mountain Bike Park (a sensible re-purposing of an old pine plantation), it’s very hard to see any real justification for ruining the natural values of our local regional park for just another trail, especially when there are plenty of other tracks to use.

Specialised racing trails that damage the bush and affect or exclude other users and wildlife should be developed on private land or land specifically acquired for the purpose where they won’t degrade our last remaining local forest areas.

Richard Goonan, Kangaroo Flat

Planning stealth Our state government is planning to take away from local councils and ratepayers their right to object to planning which affects their neighbourhood environment.

The first indication we will get

is when a block of flats or other development is commenced next door and our council and the ratepayers will not be able to do anything about. We will be locked out of any consultation or say in the issue.

This from a Labor government that has spruiked democracy for the people, this is an attack on local government and our democratic rights to know and have an objection.

Residents and councils will be locked out of any discussions – what are our local labour politicians and elected representatives doing about this situation?

It appears nothing, they fall in line or are ignorant of what is about to happen in local government and are only interested in the land revenue tax and increased rates.

The plan is to make changes by stealth to Victorian planning provisions that will significantly expand the number of planning applications exempt from permits including medium and high density developments in our residential suburbs.

There is an election coming up in 2018 and our pollies need to understand that ratepayers have rights, and there will be consequences for their actions.

This is the state riding rough shod over our democratic rights and needs people to write to councillors and politicians demanding to be allowed to know what is going on in our local government.

Bill Collier, Golden Square

To buy a signed copy of any Glanville cartoon please phone 5440 2500

the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club.

Members of the league automatically receive information and an invitation to the event, but if you are not a member and would like to attend please contact Wendy Wilkinson on 5447 8582 or email wilko134@bigpond.com.

Joan O’Shea, Spring Gully

90th birthday for league

Drugs crisis ruining lives

Before nurse education was transferred to universities each major hospital was responsible for training its own student nurses.

On completion of their training, many girls left their training hospital to work elsewhere or to be married.

Agnes Esler, matron of the Bendigo Base Hospital, decided to arrange an opportunity for girls to meet together socially and renew old friendships.

Originally this get together took the form of afternoon tea at Favaloro’s café, Pall Mall at the cost of threepence each.

The idea was well received and so became an annual event. Reunions were held in Bendigo for two years then Melbourne for the third year, and this format continued until it became too difficult to find a suitable venue in Melbourne.

Following the success of these functions, The Bendigo Base Hospital Trained Nurse League was formed. On April 14, 2018 the 90th birthday of the league will be held at

New figures show more and more Victorians are falling victim to the drugs scourge, with Victoria recording the highest rate of heroin use in Australia.

The state government thinks a drug injecting room in Richmond will fix Victoria’s drugs crisis, but this does nothing to address problems with drug crime and access to rehabilitation.

A drug injecting room will not stop the flood of heroin coming into Victoria and will not help the many Victorians desperate get off the drug but having to wait up to a year for a rehab bed.

Because of the government’s lack of action we are now in the grips of a drugs crisis that is ruining lives and families.

Victorians have a choice at the next election.

More of the same Labor neglect or a Liberal-Nationals government focused on tackling the drug epidemic with targeted education, better access to drug treatment and

The perfect gift to pamper that someone special.

bringing down the drug kingpins that prey on vulnerable people in our community.

Emma Kealy, Shadow Minister for Mental Health

Residents have little say The past 10 years’ 60 per cent council rate-hike has paid for an explosion in the range of services and a massive 100 per cent increase in staff costs.

Council distances itself from core services and follows the trends that interest well-to-do groups, officers and certain councillors.

Services for everyday people have changed little. By contrast, in 2007 there were no staff serving “resilient” and “strong” communities, now there are 10.

My observation is residents (and councillors) have had minimal meaningful input. Special interest groups dominate and senior staff steer. Councillors need to come down to earth and represent residents; it’s our money.

Mayor Margaret O’Rourke sloganised, “councillors are calling the shots”, yet councillors have no direct say on the number of staff on the payroll.

Under the Local Government Act the CEO can employ as many staff required to enable the functions of the council to be undertaken.

So, an unelected bureaucrat, with limited public accountability, heav-

ily influences the spread of council services and decides on the number and level of staff. We pay.

True local government reform should give councillors a say on staff numbers and cost.

Council officers prepared our city’s submission to the State Government’s Review of the Local Government Act. There was no community input or consultation. Councillors never publicly debated the matter, they failed to “call the shots”.

No wonder the 2017 Council Community Satisfaction Survey resulted in a poor overall score of 56 out of 100.

There are many good ways to improve future Community Satisfaction Survey scores that can be included in the 2018 Community Plan update. In fact, positive ideas for improvement are being conveyed to council; but will they listen?

Michael McKenzie, Strathdale

Walker appreciation A big thank you to all the pleasant young people from Special Developmet School who deliver the Bendigo Weekly each Friday to my area, they deliver in rain and hot weather.

A very merry Christmas to you all and look forward to seeing you next year, keep up the good work.

Juanitta Kelly, Bendigo

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Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

NEWS • 17

www.bendigoweekly.com.au

editorial

Goodwill the key

GOODWILL on earth and peace to all mankind, go the words of the Christmas carol. Let’s second that and make an amendment, goodwill to everybody – men and women.

While based on the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, Christmas is also the celebration of the end of the year for everyone.

In many ways it is the nucleus of the humdrum of our working lives.

It’s time to put down tools, put up feet, feast on turkeys, chickens, beef, lobster and oysters.

Drink champagne, beer and wine. Talk about loved ones past and present. Give presents. Take photos.

Tell bad jokes, watch the cricket. Sing out of tune. Sleep in the afternoon.

Go for a swim, get sunburnt and sand in your bathers.

In the lead up to Christmas, the atmosphere in the workplace also changes. If the pressure is increasing you know it will soon be all over.

Editorial Comment Moods lift and anxiety takes on a blend of hysteria and bonhomie.

Get this last job done, the last order filled, the contract signed and it’s off to the pub to celebrate.

Girls wear pretty red dresses, boys Hawaiian shirts, balloons are burst, home truths told. No, hold the home truths.

There’s no doubt there is financial pressure at Christmas time for many families.

And while the media presents images of happy children drowning in a sea of gifts, let’s take a moment to think of the families who are stretched to pay the rent, forget about the turkey.

For these families I would rec-

ommend creating your own Christmas zone. Pull up the draw bridge, shut the doors. Keep the world out.

Make your gifts simple, hand made, a drawing, a letter of love.

Make the meal a communal one, whether it be spag bol or three minute noodles.

Raise a glass of cheer (cordial or cask wine is just fine) to each other.

Take in turns telling family and friends why you love them.

Talk about the small victories, the problems nailed and hammered out. The goals for the next year, the next day, that day.

How the dishes can be shared, jobs allocated, how small acts of kindness keep us afloat.

Christmas, should come every day. We don’t need money for that.

Goodwill and peace can be the basis of every family, rich or poor or those muddling along somewhere in between.

mayor’s opinion

By MARGARET O’ROURKE City of Greater Bendigo Mayor

MERRY Christmas everyone.

We’re at the end of another year and hopefully this column finds you well on your way to completing your Christmas to-do list. Perhaps you’re super organised and all done, lucky you.

Last Sunday I attended Carols by Candlelight in Rosalind Park and I also went to the Canterbury Park celebrations in Eaglehawk earlier this month.

There were so many people at both events; it was beautiful to see families and groups of friends celebrating the season together.

I’m pleased to report that my travels across the municipality have confirmed the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Greater Bendigo.

I know we will never escape the commercial element of Christmas, the advertising we’re bombarded with at this time of year is testament to that, but from talking to various people it seems like the focus is

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more and more on goodwill towards each other.

People are being more thoughtful with their gift giving, including making things or making donations on behalf of loved ones, and opening their hearts and homes to those who don’t have anywhere to go.

In our family, this year the focus is on coming together. We’re scattered across the country, so ev-

May 2018 bring you good health, new opportunities and great happiness. eryone is making a big effort to travel to Bendigo.

It will be the first time in six years that we’re under the one roof on Christmas Day. We lost a loved one in our family this year and I am sure many families will have experienced that sadness, and will find this first Christmas without them particularly hard.

Whenever I put the Christmas tree away each year I wonder where our family will be when it’s

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: Margaret O’Rourke. time to put it up again.

What will we have experienced? What will have challenged us and what will have brought us great joy? Who will be with us and who won’t be?

In this fast-paced world we live in, take a moment to reflect.

Be patient with each other on the roads, in car parks, at the supermarket,

in the shops. It can be a stressful time of year.

Taking the time to wish someone a Merry Christmas can be a welcome relief from the rush.

Whatever your beliefs, be they religious, spiritual or otherwise, I hope you have a safe festive season and may 2018 bring you good health, new opportunities and great happiness.

Bendigo P H O T O S

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The team at Bendigo Weekly would like to wish our customers a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

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18 • LIFE

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Bendigo LIFE

Best of the year I

Last innings Steve bats his support to the boundary as England tumbles

T

HAT is it. I have come on board for Australia in the cricket.

It’s not a desire to be on the winning side, it’s the refusal to support an England team that just will not or can not play.

When I first migrated to Australia in 1989 there was never a question not to follow England, it just didn’t cross my mind.

When I started at the Weekly, Radders the editor was a firm supporter of Australia and wound me up often, until England actually won the Ashes a couple of times.

But that said, I followed the team and were pleased when they won.

Strangely enough I support the Australian women’s cricket team ahead of England, so the shift had started earlier this year.

The long-suffering Mrs Kendall has come on board and was complaining about how poor their form was despite being well-paid.

Admittedly I couldn’t play any better, but this team is well-waged and it’s their job to win.

No team at that level should be losing by 10 wickets or a complete innings, it’s shameful.

Hence my lack of support for them, they are just not trying hard enough.

I went to see England play Australia for a one-dayer a few years ago at the MCG. England lost.

Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017

I really was interested to see the game, and even said to the Aussie fans with me that I didn’t care who won as long as I enjoyed the game.

I sort of meant it, but now I will care who wins the game and I won’t be barracking for England.

The three lions have failed to roar... so many times.

They can just have a Christmas break now in Australia, all-expenses paid and coast through the final two games of the Ashes.

Nice work if you can get it.

To watch England’s tail-enders shirk away from the fast and short balls was shameful.

Once again I would not be too pleased to face balls hurtling towards my head at 145 kilometres and hour, but how can they not be expecting it?

Duck and leave it, don’t waggle your bat hopefully in the general direction until you edge the ball to a fielder.

I guess I should leave the final and damming action to my cat.

I left my broad-brimmed England cricket hat on the bench after wearing it in the paddocks – the hat is good if not the team – and I returned to find it peed on.

There were four distinct pee patches. Even the cat knows just how bad the England team has been, and her aim is better.

- Steve Kendall Twitter@stevekendall1

T was another exciting year for music in Bendigo; some great gigs, and the release of some much-anticipated debut albums.

In no particular order, here’s a brief selection of 2017 highlights.

Midweek Blues’ first album, Last Days of May was released in September.

It features eight superblycrafted blues tracks, and one out-and-out rock anthem. All original songs; a great debut.

Clowns at MusicMan in January showcased tracks from what would become my album of the year, Lucid Again, the Melbourne punks’ third long player.

I say ‘punks’, but the album contains a couple of very nontraditional punk tracks.

The album highlight is the nine-minute Not Coping – which is largely instrumental. A brave move, and it works.

The seventh Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival was a huge success.

Something like 20,000 people attended over that warm November weekend.

I discovered a few favourite new acts.

WA’s Matty T Wall’s heavy blues rock was perfect for a late-night set at the Brian Boru.

Shaun Kirk I’d heard a lot about.

His high-energy one-man show didn’t disappoint.

The Leroys’ haunting old school blues was perfect for

the Basement Bar. The Leroys were followed by Chris Jagger and Charlie Hart. Jagger’s raconteurial skills punctuated a set that mined several decades of material.

His compilation album, All The Best, is a delight.

the male-female dynamic.

Cosmic Psychos didn’t play a Bendigo gig in 2017, but many Bendigonians travelled

SHAUN KIRK

AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS Essie Thomas is an immense talent that I hope we see again in Bendigo before long.

Kerr’s Cur and Filthy Hacks both released what felt like long-awaited debut albums.

I saw both play several times in 2017. Four Lions and Stone Djoser were two other bands I saw eight or nine times.

Ali Barter at the Star Bar in April got me listening to what I initially regarded as “just a pop album”.

But very catchy pop, and more interestingly, she’s insightful lyricist who looks at modern life, relationships and

the short distance to their Castlemaine Theatre Royal show in May. One of the supports were Amyl and the Sniffers – a Sharpie-influenced, Slade meets yob rock outfit. One hundred per cent attitude, they look and sound fantastic.

Risky move inviting them to support - they will upstage many a headliner next year. Expect big things.

A Bendigo visit by Melbourne psychedelic rock outfit Khan is always worth coming out for.

Their three MusicMan gigs were excellent.

review A season to die I

CELAND publishes more books per capita than any other country on Earth.

In December the population of 330,000 Icelandic-speakers observes a tradition known as the “Christmas book flood”: a full year’s worth of new titles is launched in a roughly weeklong deluge, just in time to be wrapped (accompanied by a block of the finestquality chocolate each) and gifted on Christmas Eve. Icelanders typically then spend the rest of that night snuggled up reading and snacking.

It’s little wonder Iceland’s literature is among some of the sharpest, most beautifully crafted anywhere

in the world, influenced by an awe-inspiring, hauntingly bleak landscape, a smalltown national psyche and a pervasive, disorienting mid-winter gloom.

Set in the immediate lead-up to Christmas, Whiteout is complete with its own reference to the customary Yuletide exchange of printed matter.

The fifth title in Jónasson’s Dark Iceland series, it continues the story of regional detective Ari Thór Arason and his police-force superior Tómas , now based in the capital, Reykjavík.

Ari Thór’s plans to spend the holiday season at home in Siglufjörður are disrupted by the discovery of a young

The Go-Betweens’ Robert Forster spoke at this year’s Bendigo Writers Festival.

He played a few acoustic numbers during his talk with Doug Falconer at the Capital.

His memoir, Grant and I, examines life as a Go-Between, and particularly his friendship with fellow band member Grant McLennan.

It’s not only a great music book, but an insightful look at male friendships. Highly recommended.

Last weekend’s Black Aces album launch at a packed Golden Vine was absolutely rocking.

Three different, but complementary acts (they were joined by Tyson Hodges Trio, and Fluff ) put on one of the gigs of the year.

Next year is looking pretty bright as well.

– Simon Wooldridge Twitter: @spwooldridge

Whiteout Ragnar Jónasson, Orenda Books $19.99

woman’s body at the base of a cliff at Kálfshamarsvík on Iceland’s remote northwest coastline.

It seems she has jumped – or has she?

In fact, Ásta’s is the third apparent suicide to have occurred in almost-identically inexplicable circumstances – first her mother’s, then her younger sister’s more than 20 years earlier, and now her own during an impulsive visit to the lighthouse her father once managed.

Suspicion sweeps across the elderly caretakers of the estate, housekeeper Thóra and her brother Óskar, and its businessman-owner Reynir and his neighbour and part-time farm worker

Arnór.

Given the setting’s extreme isolation, this latest death must have involved at least one of these four people – but which one, and why? – Rosalea Ryan

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

www.bendigoweekly.com.au

news • 19

20 • CLASSIFIEDS classifieds 20 •

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Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly Friday, December 22, 2017 — Bendigo Weekly

Classifieds

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Bendigo Family & Financial Services Inc: Myers Street, Bendigo. Ph: 5441 5277. Mon–Fri, 9am– 5pm.

Long Gully Community House: Humboldt Dve. 5442 1165. Wed mornings (bread only).

Food Support 3556: Eaglehawk Community House, 19 Bright St. Ph: 5446 8322. Mon and Thurs, 9am2pm (school terms).

Foodcare 3556: Eaglehawk Uniting Church, cnr Peg Leg Rd/Kirkwood St, 1.30pm-4pm Tues and Wed. Ph 0403 698 715.

Giving and Living Op Shop: Shed 3, 75 Beischer St, East Bendigo. Mon–Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm.

Ph: 5444 2882.

St Vincent de Paul: 16 Hopetoun St, Bendigo. 5443 5688. Mon/Tues/Thurs and Fri, 10am–1.30pm.

Kangaroo Flat–117 High St. 5447 9800. Mon–Fri, 10am–1pm.

82 High St, Eaglehawk. Ph: 5446 2548. Tues and Thurs 10am–1pm, Friday 1pm–4pm Uniting Care Emergency Relief Centres: Bendigo: 25 Forest St. 5443 4972. Mon/Tue/Thur/ Fri 10am-12.15pm and 1.30pm-3.45pm.

Kangaroo Flat: Cnr. Church and Camp sts. 5443 5458. Tues and Fri 10am–1pm.

Victory Foodbank: 110 Garsed St. Bendigo. Ph: 5443 5998. Tues 10am–12pm.

Classifieds 1300 558 385

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES WRINKLE REMOVAL by

THANK YOU

to all who those helped when we had a fire in our shed in Wesley St Kangaroo Flat.

injectables. Fantastic results. Give yourself a lift for Spring.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

FROM THE BIBLE

ISAIAH 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

MATTHEW 1:20b, 21

The angel said, “Joseph do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

Classifieds

HAIRDRESSING

EMPLOYMENT

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EMPLOYMENT

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ehb are looking for a fully qualified hairdresser and an apprentice to join their team.

Send resume C/O Kylie to ehb.

Shop 12 Corner Condon St & Edwards Rd, Strathdale VIC 3550 or Email: kyliebanfield333@gmail.com

APPRENTICE DIESEL MECHANIC required to learn the diesel mechanic trade of mechanical repairs and maintenance on a range of heavy and light duty vehicles in an effective, efficient and safe manner.

Feel free to visit us with a resume at 12-16 Sullivan St. Golden Square or e-mail a copy to: employment@btc-bendigo.com.au For more information on Position Descriptions please go to: http://www.btc-bendigo.com.au/Careers

EMPLOYMENT MASSAGE

The Massage Paradise Sauna, Jacuzzi & Massage Packages Available now .

Community Meals and Soup Kitchens: Bendigo Community Health Soup Kitchen: The Arcade, 165-171 Hargreaves St, Bendigo. Ph: 5448 1600. Thurs, 4pm-4.45pm.

Bendigo Baptist Community Care Breakfast: Life Essentials, Mad Cow Cafe, 214 Hargreaves St, Bendigo. 5441 4747. Tues 7.45am.

Cafe 153 Community Breakfast: The Salvation Army Bendigo Worship Centre, 65-71 Mundy St, Bendigo (Gate 1). Sundays 8.45am-9.45am.

Eaglehawk Community House: 19 Bright St, Eaglehawk. 5446 8322. Tues 12 noon and 6pm.

Kangaroo Flat Soup Kitchen: Rotary Gateway Park, High St, Kangaroo Flat, Wed 5.30pm-6.30pm.

Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church: Cnr Church and Camp sts, Kangaroo Flat. Ph: 5447 9998. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 12pm.

Not Just Soup - Soup Kitchen: A Reasonable Christianity Church, 237 High Street, Golden Square back room (opposite Woolworths). Ph: 0404 559 769. Sun, 3.30pm-4.40pm, Thurs, 5pm-6pm.

FOODCARE3556: Eaglehawk Uniting Church Hall, Peg Leg Rd Eaglehawk. Tues 1pm – 3pm, Wed 1.30pm – 3pm. Community Breakfast: Fri 7.30am.

Saltworks Community Meal: Eaglehawk Anglican Church, 63 High St, Eaglehawk. Ph: 5446 8251. Fri 5.45pm (except Jan or public holidays).

St Liborius Parish Centre: 50 Panton St, Eaglehawk. 5446 8235. Tues 11.30am (school terms).

Supplied by City of Greater Bendigo.

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The diverse role will include a complete and total client focus, delivering the highest level of customer service primarily listing and selling residential property.

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ASQ is a locally owned, family operated business, servicing regional Victoria. ŽŶƐŝƐƟŶŐ ŽĨ ĨŽƵƌ ĚŝǀŝƐŝŽŶƐ͕ ^Y ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͕ ĞdžƉĞƌƟƐĞ Θ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ Ă ǁŝĚĞ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ͕ ĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů Θ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ͘ tĞ ĂƌĞ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ƐĞĞŬŝŶŐ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂŶƚƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƌŽůĞ͗

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tĞ ŶĞĞĚ ĂŶ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ŝĞƐĞů DĞĐŚĂŶŝĐ ƚŽ ũŽŝŶ ŽƵƌ ďƵƐLJ ƚĞĂŵ͊ ƵƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ ƚŚĞ ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐŝƐ͕ ƐĞƌǀŝĐŝŶŐ Θ ŵŝŶŽƌ Θ ŵĂũŽƌ ƌĞƉĂŝƌƐ ŽĨ ĞĂƌƚŚ ŵŽǀŝŶŐ Θ ƋƵĂƌƌLJ ƉůĂŶƚ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ŽŶͲŚŝŐŚǁĂLJ ƚƌƵĐŬƐ͘ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŝƐ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů͘ ^ŝƚĞ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ͮ tŝŵŵĞƌĂ ,ŝŐŚǁĂLJ͕ EĞǁďƌŝĚŐĞ

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We are closed from

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l Apprentice Diesel Mechanic

For more information or to apply online: cvgt.com.au

Christmas & New Year Trading Hours

The team at Bendigo Weekly would like to wish our customers and readers a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Current Bendigo Vacancies l Apprentice Roof Plumber - 5 positions

The successful applicant will be required to have completed their agent’s representative certificate, display strong computer and typing skills and being proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs. Previous Real Estate experience would be beneficial.

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and will re-open Tuesday January 2, 2018

Become A CVGT Apprentice Or Trainee

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dƌƵĐŬ ƌŝǀĞƌ Ͳ ŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ŐŝƚĂƚŽƌ ; ĂƐƵĂůͿ

tĞ ĂƌĞ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ ĐŽŶĐƌĞƚĞ ĂŐŝƚĂƚŽƌ ƚƌƵĐŬ ĚƌŝǀĞƌ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ŽƵƌ WƌĞŵŝdž ĚŝǀŝƐŝŽŶ͕ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ŽƵƌ EĞǁďƌŝĚŐĞ Θ ĞŶĚŝŐŽ ďĂƚĐŚ ƉůĂŶƚƐ͘ ^ŝƚĞ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ͮ ĞŶĚŝŐŽ sŝƐŝƚ www.asq.net.au/careers ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͘ dŽ ĂƉƉůLJ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ :ƵůŝĞ :ŽŶĞƐ Ͳ ,ƵŵĂŶ ZĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ DĂŶĂŐĞƌ WK Ždž ϯϱϴ͕ ĂŐůĞŚĂǁŬ͕ sŝĐ ϯϱϱϲ͘ e ũũŽŶĞƐΛĂƐƋ͘ŶĞƚ͘ĂƵ ͮ p Ϭϯ ϱϰϰϲ ϭϲϳϳ ĂŶĚ ƐĞůĞĐƚ ŽƉƟŽŶ ƚŚƌĞĞ͘

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22 • CLASSIFIEDS classifieds 22 •

Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst The birth of Jesus is situated not in the realm of myth or fantasy but within the reality of the world of time. Saint Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus begins with a clear affirmation. Luke boldly places the story of the birth of Jesus into terms of the real world. He identifies who the Roman Emperor was and who the local governor was and the fact that a world census was to take place, all historical facts which can be verified as being real.

Indeed, Jesus’ birth belongs not only to the realities of that particular time, but his birth is the birth of someone who comes to change the realities of history. He is a saviour, Emmanuel, God with us!

How is that reflected in the world in which we live? For many in Australia today, God plays less and less a role in their everyday lives, except at special moments of trial or grief. They are good people, often better people than many of those who profess to believe. Does God then matter?

Yes, Christmas brings joy and brings out real goodness even in the hardest of hearts and, indeed, that is part of the perennial message of Christmas which touches hearts like no other feast. But, as believers, we cannot be satisfied simply to celebrate Christmas like an anaesthetic which hides pain for a moment, or like an eruption of spending which ends up leaving us only with a hangover of emptiness.

If Christmas is to be more than sentimentality, tinsel and lights, then our Christmas worship should challenge us to go out and play our part in making the world a better place. It is our task as followers of the ‘Christ-child’, born the ‘Prince of Peace’, to carry his message of hope to the world. Isaiah the prophet expresses so beautifully the reason for our hope: ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”.

As Christians who celebrate the birth of a saviour, we have to seek out what our hope really means and involves and what it is that Christian hope has to offer our world.

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Christmas The world yearns for a message of hope, peace and consolation. Christmas, dear friends, is about new life, about new birth. Let us allow the Christ-Child to be born again in our hearts, in our families, in our neighbourhood and in our country!

I wish everyone a blessed Christmas!

- Catholic Bishop of Sandhurst, Les Tomlinson

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral Bendigo How far will you go?

Christmas time for many of us is a time to gather with families and to settle in for some home time as the public holidays pass by. Yet for others, Christmas is also a time for journeys as we wind our way through traffic jams or spend endless hours on empty roads to get to our destinations.

The original Christmas story is more one of journeying than staying at home. Mary and Joseph have to travel, by order of the government, from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This is a journey of about 150km. We often picture them with a donkey, though none is mentioned in the Bible. They may have traveled with others who were also caught up in the census drama.

Matthew’s Gospel has wise men coming from the East.

Some scholars think they came from as far as Persia (modern day Iran). This would have been an epic journey by any measure. According to Google maps, a journey from Tehran to Bethlehem is about 2,000km and would take something like 80 days to walk.

But the most significant journey for Christians is the one made by God. In becoming a tiny, new-born baby God makes one of the most significant of all journeys. It is journey into vulnerable love, humility and solidarity. This moment is known as the incarnation, God becoming fleshed out as a human.

At this Christmas time, spare a thought for all those

The Salvation Army would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in Bendigo a very happy and safe Christmas. We hope you experience the joy and peace of this season as you spend time with your family and friends. We would like to thank our volunteers and staff for their support over 2017 and we look forward to a great year together in 2018.

- Kaye Viney (Major) The Salvation Army Bendigo

Weeroona Uniting Church At Christmas we often get caught up in trying to make everything perfect. Perfect Tree, perfect presents, perfect food and even perfect family! But we forget that the first Christmas wasn’t like that at all - in fact it was chaotic, dirty, uncomfortable and smelly!

When God came to be one with us on earth, God didn’t come in what we would consider a perfect way, God came in a very HUMAN way- because God wanted us to know, in the best of ways, that God was coming to be one of us, one with us, one alongside us, one among us!

God didn’t send the Christ-child to be born in a perfect

Weeroona Uniting Church

A vibrant and caring church serving the Bendigo community since 1883

Christmas Celebration Services Christmas Eve Services: Sunday December 24 Bendigo Salvation Army 10.30am Service Gravel Hill Gardens 7.00pm Service

65–71 Mundy St, Bendigo (Enter Gate 4 on Bramble St) Christmas Day Services: Monday December 25 Eaglehawk Salvation Army 9.30am Service

51 Church St, Eaglehawk (No Service at Bendigo)

Kangaroo Flat Baptist Church 32 Church St Kangaroo Flat Ph 5411 0836

www.salvationarmy.org.au/bendigo

Christmas Eve SERVICE

10.30am Quarry Hill Hall 52 Hamlet St, Quarry Hill www.reforming.org.au Email: connect@reforming.org.au

Weeroona Uniting Church invites you to celebrate the birth of the Saviour with us this Christmas.

Christmas Eve @ Neale Street Church Open from 6:00pm for reflection and fellowship. The evening will conclude with the Christmas Eve Service from 11:00pm.

Christmas Morning @ Neale St Church begins at 9:30am with a multi-age, family service, filled with music and celebrations- with a particular focus on having a Birthday Party for Jesus.

Christmas Blessings be with you all.

world, but in OUR world- with all the mess and crazybecause it is in our ordinary humanness that God gives us the greatest gift – abundant and unconditional love Often if feels like this modern world we are surrounded by is lacking in many things - compassion, kindness, and especially love. We are more comfortable in our safe, comfortable bubbles of existence, trying our best to isolate ourselves from as much mess and crazy as we can. And who can blame us really? However, its resulted in humanity finding itself more shrowded in shadow, less able to be compassionate, and a greater desire to seek power over other people rather than get in alongside people as equals.

So, what would happen if we even considered returning to following God’s example…?

When God came in - yes, it was messy, but it was what God knew we needed! God got in alongside us and worked with us to grow stories of compassion, healing, kindness and love. And God’s story is not for those who fit nicely into safe, comfortable bubbles, but for those who challenge, those who seem awkward (maybe it’s us who are the awkward ones?), and those who are as different from ‘normal’ as we can imagine.

As we celebrate Christmas, many of us will stop and realise that the best past of the day (and the season) is in the smiles, the delight, the thoughtful and personal gestures, the acts of kindness, the time spent with those we love; the moments we will treasure forever- all things that are more valuable than anything we could put a price-tag upon.

In this Christmas season we are invited to stop and appreciate the things in this world that truly matter - and to risk opening ourselves up to God’s ongoing story in the world. May messy joy, smelly hope, uncomfortable peace and surprising love sneak into your human story this Christmas, and remind you of God’s dwelling in our midst.

- Rev Susan Malthouse-Law

Southern Gateway Christian Church

CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH SERVICE Sunday 24th Dec, 10am Y Community Hall (opposite Aldi Kangaroo Flat)

Ps Peter Pritchard

Weeroona Uniting Church- worshipping at 21 Condon St, Kennington and Napier Street, White Hills. www.weeroona.unitingchurch.org.au Enquiries 5441 1417

Bendigo Presbyterian Church

Eaglehawk Presbyterian Church

South East Bendigo Presybterian

CHURCH SERVICES & MESSAGES 2017

The Salvation Army Bendigo

Bendigo Church

Sunday 24th December at 10 am Speaker: Pastor Ron Giles

Special Feature

making journeys. For those stuck in jams, or those traveling in the heat of an Aussie summer. Remember too, the millions of refugees in our world whose journeys hope for nothing more than we take for granted. If God can become as vulnerable as a newborn for God’s love to reach us what can we do to stand with those who are most vulnerable. The UNHCR reports that there are over 65 million forcibly displaced people. They report that nearly 20 people are forcibly displaced from their homes every minute. If ever there was a need for vulnerable love, humility and solidarity, that time is now.

- Very Reverend John Roundhill, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Vicar General, Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

Salvation Army

Christmas Eve service:

Bendigo Thursday, 21, 2017 BendigoWeekly Weekly– — Friday, December December 22, 2017

Christmas Eve Service December 24 - 10am and 7pm

St John’s Presbyterian Church, Bendigo Corner of Forest and Mackenzie Street www.bendigopc.org.au Ph 5443 6189

CAROLS BY TORCHLIGHT 17th December 8pm

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

Our Service times during the year are at 10am each Sunday Victoria Street Eaglehawk Ph 0403 996 905 www.eaglehawkpc.org.au

25th December 9.30am

Phone 0413 682 999

St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo …at the heart of Bendigo

Passionate about justice, worship and Jesus.s.

Service Times:

Sunday 24th December: Christmas Evee 8am, 9.30am and 11am 6pm Crib Service 11pm Midnight Choral Eucharist Monday 25th December: Christmas Day ay 8am Said Eucharist with Carols 10am Christmas Day Celebration

Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Christmas Masses 2017 Bendigo, Sacred Heart Cathedral Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 6pm, 9pm Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 8.30am, 11am Quarry Hill, St Joseph’s Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 7.30pm Kangaroo Flat, St Monica’s Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 6pm Christmas Day Monday25 Dec: 9am Bendigo, St Kilian’s Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 6.30pm, 9pm Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 8am,10am Inglewood, St Mary’s Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 8am Eaglehawk, St Liborius’ Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 7pm at St Liborius’ Centre Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 10.30am Raywood, St Stephen’s Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 9am

Elmore, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 10am

Axe Creek, St Joseph’s Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 9am

Muskerry, St Martin’s Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 8am

Axedale, St Mary’s Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 9am

Longwood, St Patrick’s Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 6pm

Rochester, St Joseph’s Catholic Church Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 7pm vigil, 12am Midnight Mass

Heathcote, Mary Help of Christians Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 7.30pm Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 9.30am Kennington, St Therese’s Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 6pm Family, 8pm Mass Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 10.30am Kennington, Poor Clares’ Monastery of the Holy Ghost Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 12am Midnight Mass Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 7.30am

White Hills, Holy Rosary Christmas Vigil Sunday 24 Dec: 6pm Family Mass, 7.30pm Vigil Mass Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 10am Bendigo East, St Francis Xavier Christmas Day Monday 25 Dec: 8.30am

For all Sandhurst Diocese Mass times, visit www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Thursday, December 2017 BendigoWeekly Weekly Friday, December 22,21, 2017 — –Bendigo

Christmas CHURCH SERVICES

Trades & Services

Special Feature

& MESSAGES 2017

BRICKLAYERS

all types of brick and block work, chimneys and fireplaces.

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St Johns Presbyterian Church Responding to royalty – the right way!

There is a story that tells of an event that happened on the streets of London in the late 1990’s. A young girl was riding her bike and fell off. Now there’s nothing extraordinary about that, except that the accident took place as the Queen mother was driving past in her Rolls Royce. She ordered her chauffeur to stop the car and help the little girl to her feet. The Queen mother then spoke to the young girl and asked her if she’d like a lift home.

The little girl responded by saying “no thank you. I am not supposed to accept lifts from strangers.’ As that little five year old girl gets older I am sure that she will regret that she didn’t accept a ride in the Queen mother’s Rolls Royce. The issue was that she was face to face with royalty but totally missed the opportunity that came her way.

Responding to royalty is part of the Christmas story, too. In the New Testament, Matthew chapter 2, verses 1-12, tell the story of the wise men who came with gifts for the new King and through their story we are shown the right way and the wrong way to respond to royalty. The wise men did it the right way. They travelled long distances to greet the new King, they even offered gifts fit for a king and came with the desire to worship him and submit to his rule. On the other hand, the one who was the King, Herod, acted in a totally different manner. He was certainly surprised to hear about the birth of the new King, but he also got angry about it. He thought that he was the one and only King and wasn’t going to have someone else come in and push him off his throne. In fact Herod got so angry that he tried to have this rival King put to death!

The first Christmas may well have happened a long time ago, but guess what? Jesus is still King. Though he came into this world as King, so many like Herod prefer to live their lives their own way and be their own ‘King’. But Jesus can only ever be one of two things to us – either our rival or our ruler. The right way to respond to him is to become part of his kingdom as a loyal subject, letting go of our ‘right’ to rule and submitting to His rule. Now is as good a time as any to ask yourself: “Have I responded the right way to Jesus the King?” This Christmas, don’t let that opportunity go past! - Rev Philip Burns

Eaglehawk Presbyterian Church Remember when Christmas celebrations and gifts were less commercial and more personal. ..handmade, even?

Remember the Christmas Day when a small child in the family presented you with his excitedly devised and personally constructed gift.

As the family sat watching in carefully disguised bewilderment, the designer and constructor of this mysterious fabrication wrapped in acres of brown paper stood smiling before you, a picture of pure familial love.

You took the mystery thing and carefully unravelled an abundance of brown paper sheets, held closely around the contents with metres of sticky tape. And then… there it was, in all of its wobbly and improbable splendour!

The product of much child-like love and wild imagination, the result of hours of secret Christmas Eve labour behind closed doors, it incorporated several odd bits of scrap materials from sewing room and workshop. Obviously cobbled together with more metres of sticky tape, and much trailing string, it featured a large nail, barely holding in the wood, bent midway at a rakish angle.

Conscious of the gathered family, all looking from the giver, to the gift, and then to you, you searched for what to say to this eager little face before you. Thankfully you didn’t say, “What is it?” The love that binds the ecstatic giver to the mystified recipient ensures that you and he will both know precisely what that thing of beauty is – even if there’s no name for it in our language.

So you simply said, “Wow! Thanks, little buddy. It’s… it’s… indescribable!” He beamed! He didn’t know what that word means, and you didn’t know what his thingamybob was. But – and here’s the thing – he knows you love his gift because he made it, and you know that crazy construction will have a proud place in your man-cave for many years to come.

Because that indescribable gift of love will always remind you of another, greater gift of love, from the Maker of the universe, no less! It’s a gift of love called Jesus, given that

classifieds CLASSIFIEDS • • 23 23

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first Christmas day - God’s Son as a baby, given to the world to die as a man on a rough wooden cross to pay for your sins and mine, and coming back from death, making a way for you and me to live forever with Him - salvation through faith in Jesus.

Thanks be to God for His Indescribable Gift!

- Rev Bill Lutton

Southern Gateway Christian Church We hear that Christmas is on the way. TV commercials trumpet we must get together and have a great time. Nice idea, but, why are we gathering? It seems we are going to have some holidays and families may be able to eat, drink and be merry. But, what if we didn’t have Christmas? I look around this city alone for physical evidence of the celebration of the greatest birth in history.

I see signs of celebration of holidays. There is some suggestion we should get together as family and enjoy one another sharing food and gifts . The signage is festive without a Christian message.

But, the best gift sharing ever is the gift of Jesus. He is our feast of everlasting food that can be shared with everyone and anyone.

Society generally doesn’t know Jesus. Some know of Him by tradition and others have heard about Him. Christians have an increasing role of being witnesses in this increasingly secular world that doesn’t understand Jesus and why He came; or, it ignores Jesus and uses other substitute religions, hobbies, games etc to satisfy itself with instant satisfaction.

I urge all Christians to pray for their family members who don’t know Jesus, their neighbours who don’t know Jesus, this city, this state and this nation; so we can celebrate the richest of God’s blessings through His Word made flesh in Jesus .

In reality Christmas is about Jesus Christ. No Jesus, no Christmas; no Saviour born into the world for all mankind. He was born in lowly circumstances and yet He is the answer to all our prayers as a powerful King.

He came to save us all. Nobody is meant to be left out.

I pray that the people of Bendigo would turn their eyes on Jesus this Christmas and ask Him to bless their lives because He loves us all.

I pray the blessings of Jesus will flow into every household and may His peace fill your homes bringing healing to all.

- Ps Peter Pritchard

with over 40 years experience, can assist you with all your bricklaying jobs, such as letterboxes, brick on edge, & repairs. Ph Geoff on 0438 509 890

BRICKLAYING

No job too big No job too small Ph 0417 127 131

BUILDER/ PLUMBER

40+ Years experience New Homes, Extensions, Reno's,Bathrooms, Bricklaying, Concreting, Tiling & more!

Ph 0408 575 604

CONCRETER

Paths, drives, etc Reasonable rates.

40 years experience Phone 0409 949 111

AXE CREEK CONCRETING

New & old shed floors, Excavation work, Paths & Driveways, big or sml

LAWN MOWING, WHIPPER SNIPPING

$35 per hr / $30 pen (inc. take away clippings).

Delivery of Garden Products Spraying (Roundup) $35 per hr/ $30 pen Rubbish Removal $80 per load/$70 pen (incl tip fee $35) for 7x4 square box trailer.

NO tyres or rock/clean fill. Cash only

--Go Tigers! --

CONCRETING

PLASTERER

DD HANDYMAN & MAINTENANCE SERVICE CLEANING & CARPET All types of household Cleaning, Steam clean or jobs inc garden maint.

Phone 0409 949 111 Dry clean $50 first room,

PJ TAYLOR

5446 1422

COMPUTER SUPPORT

LAWNMOWING & WHIPPER SNIPPING

Lic

Ph Pete 0418 838 861

CONCRETER

Paths, Driveways, Cross overs, Sheds, Small & big jobs, Reasonable rates.

Seniors Discount Free quotes.

Ph. 0422 424 348.

1300 13 300 00 5 558 58 3 58 385 85 BOBCAT / EARTHMOVING

Rates from $40p/h Pensioner 10% Disc.

• Holes Patched • Renovations • Painting

KWIGLEE Lawn Care Professional, Prompt & Reliable. Free Quotations Ph 0408 840 753

In Home

0448 713 499

PLUMBER 111684

Blocked drains Hot water units Bathrooms, Kitchens, Treatment plants Maintenance Ph 0403 962 817

LITTLE RIPPER Digger Service

1.6 Tonne Excavator, Trenching, Rotary Hoeing, Post Holes, Levelling 4 in one bucket,Tipper Hire.

• 1.7 Tonne Mini Digger on Trailer • 900, 450, 300mm Buckets Plus Ripper • Post Hole Auger 300 & 450mm available • 5 Tonne Excavator Available for Hire with Rock Breaker • Dry & Wet Hire Available • 7 Days - Mon-Sun

AIR CONDITIONING

TempTech BENDIGO

AIR CONDITIONING

We wish you a joyful Christmas!

Our wish for you, for people everywhere, is to have a merry Christmas, and more. We wish for you to have joy.

Jesus tells a story in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 13:44) about a man who found treasure hidden in a field.

He then, with joy, goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

It is Jesus himself who came from Heaven into our world on that first Christmas, to save us from our sins. Jesus died for our sin on the cross, and rose from death for our hope of having eternal life. There is nothing else, and no one else, who has ever done this for you. If you discover who Jesus is, and what he has done for you, you’ve found treasure to joyfully live for.

Bendigo has a history of people who are treasure seekers, looking for gold. People still come to Bendigo today, seeking for a country lifestyle (& commute) in the country.

Perhaps people come particularly seeking wealth, seeking work, seeking to study or seeking to start again in life.

Whatever it is people seek, we tend to do so because deep down we’re all really looking for something only Jesus offers. So as a church we long to see people in Bendigo find true treasure, and be truly satisfied. A church is a group of people who have discovered that Jesus is the true treasure.

As a church we gather to meet Jesus at his word, the Bible.

Students & workers. Families & singles. Younger & older.

Churchgoer or not. All are welcome to come, you’re invited to check out Jesus for yourself.

We treasure Christ, together. We invite you to treasure Christ too and have a joyful Christmas.

Find us at the Quarry Hill Hall, 52 Hamlet Street, every Sunday 10.30am - Ps Russ Grinter

Kangaroo Flat Baptist Church

This Christmas, we would love to see you join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and came to save us from our sins and to offer us a place in heaven. At Kangaroo Flat Baptist Church, we are known as a church that welcomes people of all age groups. On Christmas Eve at 10am we look forward to seeing you at 32 Church St. During our service this year, we will sing Christmas Carols, have a special family performance and a presentation of puppets for the children. Then the guest speaker, Pastor Ron Giles, will give a short message. After the service, we invite you to join us for tea and coffee while people have the opportunity to chat to others. We look forward to your visit.

May you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas season.

- Suzanne Osman

Staff at TempTech wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year!

Nathan will be available throughout the holidays for all your emergency and servicing requirements

Ph Nathan 0407 972 717 bendigotemptech@hotmail.com I www. bendigotemptech.com.au

ANTENNAS

Ph: Glenn

0418 510 074

BOBCAT / EARTHMOVING

Servicing all of Central Victoria I Pensioner discounts nts

Reforming Church - South East Bendigo Presbyterian

WOMEN CLEANING

EXCELLENT service, great rates. Ph Simone 0430 349 332

EXPERIENCED LOCAL PLASTERER

$10 per room after that Ph 0439 374 389 Receipt & ABN supplied .

Reasonable Rates 7 days Extended hours Ph Shaun 0400 811 880

WONDER WINDOW

Ph Mick 0407 448 249

PH 0429 395 985

Cameron Concrete Domestic & Commercial.

For all your concrete requirements..

Call Rod 0400 611 016 Free Quotes & advice.

30 years experience

SPRUCE IT UP

Gardening mowing whipper snipping, odd jobs, great rates Phone 0456 654 532

Ph 0429 171 697

718 Strathfieldsaye Road, Strathfieldsaye

1.5 TONNE MINI EXCAVATOR FOR HIRE

ADDED TO THE FLEET: BOBCAT/SKIDSTEER • For dry hire • With or without operator • Short or long term • Delivery can be arranged

GARDAM E X C AVA T I O N

0418 508 993

Licenced drainer 31741

TV Tuning from $40

• Servicing Bendigo & Surrounds • Aerials & additional aerial points • Satellite & Computer Setups ps • Digital/Smart TV’s • Home Theatre, Wall Mount • DVD, Recorders & Foxtel • Installed & explained

Phone Ron on

5447 7823 or 0431 609 423

Matt” A “ Excavations and Landscaping Excavator, Tipper & Bobcat

l Hole Boring l Trenching l Drive Ways l Rock Breaker l Retaining Walls l Concreting l Site Cleans l No Job too small

Very Reasonably Priced - Great Soil Rates Free Quotes and Honest Advice Matt: 0409 141 093 • Nicole: 0428 119 386 E: nicmat2001@hotmail.com

24 • CLASSIFIEDS classifieds 24 •

www.bendigoweekly.com.au www.bendigoweekly.com.au

Bendigo Thursday, 21, 2017 BendigoWeekly Weekly– — Friday, December December 22, 2017

Trades & Services BOBCAT / EARTHMOVING

DOORS

MOBILE BATHROOMS

Bobcat & Tipper Hire

DOORS DOORS DOORS LOCKS LOCKS LOCKS

ARE YOU RENOVATING?

Backhoe Trenching Post Hole Borer

Bendigo’s Specialist Door & Lock Fitting Service

200 - 600mm diameter

Site Clearing Driveways Excavation Laser Levelling Rubbish Removal

Call Ron 0438 569 385

BUILDERS

(Shower, hand basin, toilet etc)

Call Richard

Any Door Any Lock Anywhere

Call David/Bronwyn

Domestic Schools Commercial Business Owner Builders Builders

SOUTHERN CROSS RESTUMPING

Building Permits Arranged + 20 Years Experience

Ph: 0400 319 094 A: PO Box 304, Eaglehawk 3556 E: townsmith@bigpond.com

PAINTERS / DECORATORS

GREG SMITH

TRIPPA’S

PAINTING SERVICE

0418 507 709 A/H 5448 3333

SPECIALISING IN WEATHERBOARD HERITAGE HOUSING & REPAINTS

REC 7821

NO OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE 10% DISCOUNT FOR SENIORS

GARDEN SERVICES

0427 241 958

CARPET CLEANING

DON'S CARPET, TILE AND GROUT CLEANING MOVING OUT? WE HAVE A SPECIAL PRICE ON VACANT HOMES & UNITS NO POWER NEEDED

L & S Painting and Repairs • Removal of hard rubbish and garden waste • Rental clean ups/clean outs • Weeding and weed spraying • Trimming and pruning • Fallen timber and chainsaw work • Delivery and spreading of mulch, stone etc.

• Little Tipper/Drive - Hire

Phone 0428 443 808 COMPUTERS

7KH :L]

PRELOH FRPSXWHU VHUYLFHV on call computer maintenance • Systems built • Repairs and upgrades • Network and internet connections • Virus and Spyware removal

• PROJECT MANAGEMENT

ELECTRICIANS

Tired of Waiting for a Tradesman

0419 238 485

• Mowing • Whipper Snipping • Large Area Mowing • Large Yard Tidy ups • Weeding • Rubbish Removal • Gutter Cleaning • Gardening

Repaints l New Work l Patch Repair l Room by Room Quotes l Decks Pergolas l Any small Job & much more

l

l

We also resurface ceramic tiled splashbacks, saving you $$$ Over 30 years exp. Police check certied

PHONE LES 0458 949 871

LocalClassifieds $7.40 per cm/col Price includes colour, scanning of images and clip art etc.

1300 558 385 PLUMBERS

WorkCover & NDIS Approved Provider

Peter Carr Plumbing & Gasfitting Pty. Ltd.

BENDIGO

HOME MAINTENANCE

License No. 32710

The specialists in covering from top to bottom l Patios l Decks l Carports l Glassrooms l Granny Flats l Aluminium Screens PHONE STEVE

0407 227 939 for your free quote

Bendigo Weekly is published by Bendigo Publishing Pty Ltd, ACN 078 731 852, registered office 61 Bull Street Bendigo. Printed

by Newsprinters, Shepparton. Letterbox distribution throughout suburban areas of Bendigo. Retailers may charge a fee. Bendigo Publishing Pty Ltd and all related companies (together the ‘Publisher’) hereby expressly disclaim, to the full extent permitted by the law, all and any liability whatsoever including any liability for damages, consequential damages, costs, expenses or the like (‘Liability’) to any person howsoever arising from or in connection with any copy, information advertising or other material contained in Bendigo Weekly (‘Copy’) including, but not limited to, any Liability arising from or in connection with any action or inaction by any person in reliance on any Copy, and each consequence of such action or inaction. The Publisher also expressly disclaims any and all Liability arising from or in connection with any negligence whatsoever of the Publisher. Inclusion of Copy must not be construed deemed or inferred by any person to constitute any endorsement of the same by the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to decline to publish any material including any advertisement. Copyright. All content of Bendigo Weekly is copyright, and must not be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the Publisher.

Responsibility for electoral comment in this issue is accepted by Peter Kennedy - 37-39 View St Bendigo 3550

A friendly, reliable, local plumbing team fully qualified in all aspects of plumbing

544 33 999

PATIOS AND DECKS

4 Nolan Street, Bendigo

NO JOB TOO SMALL

C ENTRE S TATE CENTRE STATE PLUMBING PLUMBING

CALL PETER 0409 422 271

• Maintenance • New Homes • Renovations • Free Quotes

• Carpentry • Tiling • Painting • Plastering • Pergolas • Decks Email: bhmpeter@hotmail.com

PHONE: 5444 4681

LANDSCAPING

Greg Hicks st same day Plumbing Fajosebrvtoicoesmall Master Plumber

• Qualified tradesmen • Landscaping • Commercial and residential property maintenance

Specialising in Landscape construction Stuart Erwin 0407 667 900 Cameron Rogister 0411 956 937

Ph: 0435 147 045 PH

INFO@CSIENGINEERS.COM.AU info@csiengineers.com.au 0435 147 045 www.csiengineers.com.au WWW.CSIENGINEERS.COM.AU

SPOUT CLEANING

SPOUT CLEANING

CV Industrial Vacuum Services Reduce Fire Risk Spouts Vacuumed Spotlessly Pensioner Discounts Water Tanks Cleaned

Ph Paul 5439 3835 or 0428 395 429 * Fully Insured

Local Classifieds To advertise in this section please call 1300 558 385

TREE SERVICES

AAA TREE LOPPING

• Pensioners (Disc) • Full Insurance • (Prompt) Same Day Service

For Best Price Phone Jack Direct

0409 289 700 5428 9312

TREE SERVICES · Tree Removal & Pruning · Green Waste & Stump Removal · Tower/Chipper/Bobcat /Tipper · Over 15 Years Experience · We Travel Anywhere · Free Quotes · Fully Insured www.juddstreesolutions.com.au

MOWING & GARDENING

Jeoff Milne 5447 2476 Mob 0425 728 336

DECKS / PERGOLAS

• LAND SURVEYING • CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

0438 083 139 www.bettabathroomhire.com.au

ELECTRICIAN

DBM-1122 DB-U-28169

• CIVIL ENGINEERING

MOBILE BATHROOM FOR HIRE

Suitable for • Renovations • Parties/Weddings • Sporting events and many more

0417 502 709

SUBDIVISION

No

0448 701 138 • Licensed Backflow Tester • Blocked Drains • Burst Pipes • Septics • Gas Leaks & Gas Fitting • Hot Water Services • Roof Leaks • Renovations • Gen Plumbing • Latest Drain Cleaning Equipment QUALITY WORK AT THE RIGHT PRICE!

Lic#100122

BendigoWeekly Bendigo’s most read newspaper 38, 200 newspapers ay published ever y Frid When it comes to making that all important decision about where to advertise, the answer has never been easier. As traditional paid newspaper circulation continues to decline, quality free papers such as the Bendigo Weekly have never been in more demand than they are today.

Each week, 38,200 copies of the Bendigo Weekly are distributed, free of charge, to homes and businesses throughout Bendigo and the surrounding region.

More than double that of any other paper in our market!

Call Classifieds today and get the Bendigo Weekly working for you!

PH 5440 2514 37-39 View Street Bendigo classifieds@bendigopublishing.com

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly Friday, December 22, 2017 — Bendigo Weekly

For Sale

FOR SALE

ANTIQUE cane laundry basket, $75 Ph 5442 1507

COMPUTER desk, large, lamitate, GG $25 Ph.4433 1197

ARMCHAIR and matching foot stool VGC $65 Ph 5442 1507.

COMPUTER and Desk $50 Ph 5448 5885

ARMCHAIR, floral + cedar, $70 Ph 5447 0965

CORDLESS Telephone, EC $15 Ph 0409 431 383

ART Deco oval wall mirror $35 Ph 5442 1507

CRUSCOE college uniforms, Sz 12-14, from $10 Ph 0412 803 849

BACKPACK, North Face Red & black, Exc cond, $25 Ph 0418 145 761

DIGITAL media player, for music photos & videos, $12 Ph 5447 8573 DINING chairs x6, brown padding with solid timber frame, as new $40 ea.

Ph after 2pm 5447 1851

BALANCE BIKE Netti My Bike Designed for 2-5 year olds Quality wooden Frame as New $45 Ph 5439 5423 BICYCLE Shogun Trail Breaker 2, Mountain bike, GC, $90 Ph 5446 1516 BILLARD Table 1.10m x2.8m all accessory $400 Ph 5447 7054 BREVILLE Mealmaker slow cooker 3L $10 Ph 0409 175 052 BRUSH Cutter, straight shaft, $60 Ph 0411 117 047 CANE baby bassinet, on chrome stand, EC $55 Ph 5448 8523 CANE baby basket, VGC, 5448 8523

carrying $25 Ph

CARPORT/SHEDFRAME 6 gal posts with footings, + 3 gal trusses only. unused, make s6m x 6m x 2.4m H, $700 More info 0409 231 656 CLOTHES Dryer as new, $55 Ph 0411 117 047

CHAFF

Steamed, cut from sheaf hay, Excellent Quality. $12 a bag Ph 0429 434 646 AH CHEST Freezer, Hisense, 2 years old, in very good condition, $250 Ph 5443 3227

FOR SALE

PIANO HAAKE Full iron frame, Under Damper Piano, width 1400cm, height 1300cm Good Cond. $800 Ph 5447 7057

MACHINERY

WATER TANKS AND DRUMS

SLASHER, 5ft, Warratah, very little use, $950 Phone 0438 461 797

3300 lt $690. 5500 lt $890. 2000 lt $495 2500 lt Slimline $790.

Drums 200lt $25.

www.ebsary.com.au 161 McIvor Rd Ph 5443 6740

TOP SOIL

Lawn soil $35 p/m Garden Soil $45 p/m, includes local delivery 4, 6 and 10m avail.

Garden rocks also avail.

Phone 0418 306 548 or 0428 100 770

RECLINER club style chair, brown, leather, excellent condition $200 Phone 0416 752 996 RIDE-ON mower.

Greenfields, 32" cut, 17.5HP, Tipper trailer, & trailer, front dozer blade, EC $3000 P.5439 3715

FOR SALE

WANTED RIDE-ON MOWERS Dead or Alive 2005' onward.

Ph 0408 427 451 after 5pm

WALKING boots, Womens Hi-Tec Sz 39 Eur, $25 Ph 0418 145 761 WASHING Machine, Front Load, Samsung 7.5kg New $500 Ph 0428 510 829

TRACTORS & farm machinery wanted. Going or not, cash paid, Ph 0429 393 221

GENERATOR, 2str 750W, VGC $85 Ph 0439 116 585

WATER Cartage - Bulk.

Davis Water Deliveries Bendigo & Surrounding Areas Ph 0431 252 437

TRAILING OFFSET CULTIVATOR WANTED

GOLF bag, brand new, 'TaylorMade' brand $100 Ph 0438 424 842

WHIPPER snipper, homelight, curved, $80 Ph 5439 3715

WRAUGHT iron plantstand, with 6 pots $40 Ph 5448 5885 FLOOR rug, wavy multi colour, 2320 x 1690 fair cond. $12 Ph.4433 1197

ROTARY Hoe, Honda F501.Excellent COndition, $950 Ph 5446 3139

HAIR Dryer Holder, wall mounted, silver spiral $20 Ph 0437 567 073

SHED! 9m x 15m x 4.5m (30'x50'x15') Open front shed in large 5m bays for better storage. $13,150 Ph: 0413 104 820

HAY

SIEVED TOP SOIL

Rye grass, low in sugar, suit horses $8 ea. Oaten rolls $50 Lockwood area Ph 0429 958 736

HAY & STRAW

Rolls & Little Squares.

Delivery available Maiden Gully Ph 0438 373 291

With Manure $35 per/m delivered local 3m minimum. 6m & 10m avail. Bobcat & Excavator to hire. Ph 5446 7105 or 0428 507 846

WOOD heater, Colonial Mk1, 2 door, $500 Wood Heater Ultimate single door, $250 Ph 5446 3139 WOOD and glass chess set brand new $30 Ph 5446 2535 WORK bench, 2400mm L x 900mm W $100 Ph 5439 3715

POULTRY

HAY

Oaten rolls, net wrapped.

Excellent Quality from $55 Axedale. 0428 590 023 KITCHEN Setting, 7pce Colonial, $80 ONO Ph 0417 157 132

MOTORBIKE carrier with hand winch + tail lights, suit RV $75 0429 047 188

MUSHROOM COMPOST

$50 per metre. Minimum 5 metres. Free delivery to Bendigo area.

Phone 0400 855 626.

PARTY Rocker portable amp blue tooth etc EC $40 Ph 5447 8573

SITE office/portable building, ideal granny flat /spare room, 2 doors, 2 windows, lights & P /points, 9.6Mx3Mx2.9H $9,700 Ph 0400 855 626

SOIL

Compost with manures and straw mix.

Can deliver Bendigo Ph 0427 304 600 SCANPAN 3L steamer set, $40 Ph 0409 175 052 SYDNEY 2000 official souvenir book, 314 pages $20 vgc Ph 5447 8573

SILKIES

Young & healthy, some Point of Lay from $25, some suit kids for xmas, from $15 Ph 5436 1373

LIVESTOCK MALE chocolate Border Collie, Approx 5 months old, M/C & injections up to date, great pet or farm dog, $700 Ph 0427 471 248 M/C 956000009510188

TABLE, small, round, suit with umbrella $30 as new Ph 5444 1047

PIGS FOR SALE

large and spit piglets Ph 0403 743 077

MULCH

A fun, safe way for your cat to enjoy the outdoors.

Free quotes to suit your budget.

Call Jim 0429 866 630 www.byers.net.au Bendigo Weekly is published by Bendigo Publishing Pty Ltd, ACN 078 731 852, registered office 61 Bull Street Bendigo. Printed by Newsprinters, Shepparton. Letterbox distribution throughout suburban areas of Bendigo. Retailers may charge a fee. Bendigo Publishing Pty Ltd and all related companies (together the ‘Publisher’) hereby expressly disclaim, to the full extent permitted by the law, all and any liability whatsoever including any liability for damages, consequential damages, costs, expenses or the like (‘Liability’) to any person howsoever arising from or in connection with any copy, information advertising or other material contained in Bendigo Weekly (‘Copy’) including, but not limited to, any Liability arising from or in connection with any action or inaction by any person in reliance on any Copy, and each consequence of such action or inaction. The Publisher also expressly disclaims any and all Liability arising from or in connection with any negligence whatsoever of the Publisher. Inclusion of Copy must not be construed deemed or inferred by any person to constitute any endorsement of the same by the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to decline to publish any material including any advertisement. Copyright. All content of Bendigo Weekly is copyright, and must not be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the Publisher. Responsibility for electoral comment in this issue is accepted by Peter Kennedy - 37-39 View St Bendigo 3550

WANTED MOTORCYCLE Project or Parts Needing new home Please phone Gary on 5446 2870

BOATS HUNTER Marine V Nose Punt, with 9.8 Tohatsu O/B, boat & trailer both reg. New fish finder, Motor as new. + acc. $2600 ONO Ph 0499 850 074

Ollie

Mini Lop Cross Neutered Male, 4 Years

Alistair is such a sweetheart, he was extremely stressed and timid when he came into us, but is now building his confidence and really loving the attention. If you have a quiet household where you can give Alistair lots of love and patience he will reward you with years of loyalty

Midlands Wrecking staff wish all their valued customers ers a Safe & Merry Christmas as and a Happy New Year VEHICLES & SMALL TRUCKS WANTED TO BUY

Specialising In • Holdens • Commodores • Fords • Light Commercials

2015 21.6ft Kokoda force II X-Trail off-roader, exc cond. lots extras, gas heat, sep show/toil, club lounge, suit new buyer. $69,990 Ph 0488 234 599

CAMPING trailer 6x4 canvas covered crate.

Boat rollers + fitting for awning. Reg to Mar 2018 X91965.

Boat and awning not incl.$1150 Ph 0407836102

Call 5446 1384 Wayne on 0413 774 717 LMCT 10992 Kayne on 0459 652 963 Address: 222 Upper Rd, Eaglehawk, 3556

WRECKING

Wrecking all Makes & Models We buy any car or ute Come see your local strippers LMCT 10769

CARAVANS WANTED

We buy and consign Repairs & servicing Bendigo Caravan Centre 164 Midland Hwy EPSOM Ph 5448 4800

JAYCO Freedom, P/top.

16ft, 2 S/Bs, 3w frig, Micro, Tv/dvd, full as new annex + awning Reg April 18, Exc cond. Must Sell $14,900 ONO Ph 0417 337 424 - Castlemaine

2003 Jayco P/top 17ft. dbl bed, 3w-frig, gas/elec stove, TV/DVD, new micro $11,500 Ph 5447 4554 or 0448 911 585

6 x 4 $590.

8 x 5 tandem $2,190.

161 McIvor Rd

TRAILERS

MECHANICS

COMPLETE CAR CARE

l Mechanical Repairs & Service l Auto electrical l Air Conditioning l Pensioner discounts

Ph Keith 5443 3304 l 0417 537 497 9a Adam st, Quarry Hill

AUTO

CAR PARTS

VACC PRE PURCHASE INSPECTIONS ROADWORTHY CERTIFICATES

HOLDEN Crewman fibreglass tub lid, Cosmic purple. $200 ono Ph 0400 142 956 or 5448 4933

Jamie Hackett Motors Ph 5446 8635

www.ebsary.com.au

AUTO

1300 558 385

2009 Colorado LTR 4X4 dual cab, 3ltr Auto, T /Diesel, ARB b\bar, f /canopy, tub liner, driving lights, elc brakes, rev camera, t/bar, full elec, Rego June 18, 260,000kms, RWC, EC (XCG854) $14,900 ONO Ph 0417 109 195

2010 Holden VE SSV V8 Auto, Lady owner from new, Tinted windows, Boot liner, Full service history, Low Kms, 12 months rego, RWC, Amazing condition, $19,500 ONO Phone Steve: 0407 365 351

1300 13 300 00 5 558 58 3 58 385 85

MECHANICS TIMING BELTS Affordable timing belt replacements 25 years qualified experience Mobile Mechanic PH 0400 290 789 VOLVO MERCEDES BENZ BMW VOLKSWAGON PEUGOT

Service & Repair Specialists Jamie Hackett Motors Ph 5446 8635

GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? Advertise your item for just

Alistair

Domestic Short Hair

LOST YOUR DOG OR CAT?

THE RSPCA IS THE POUND FOR THE BENDIGO CITY COUNCIL.

We appreciate any donation of food for our cats and dogs.

2007 Majestic Knight Caravan, 18ft, QB, tandem axle, new tyres, 2 batteries, 3 water tanks, gas heating, a/c, reversing camera, 3 way fridge, portable 12v shower Reg 8/18 $28500 Ph 0408 101 048

1986 Viscount Poptop 4.8m 16ft cabin, dbl bed + 2 bunks, gas˚lec fridge, gas stove/Hplates, 2 gas bottles, full annex, Full reg inc. $6200 ono Ph 0400 142 956 or 5448 4933

ADOPT-A-PET We currently have several rabbits available for adoption, including the delightful Ollie. He is a friendly and inquisitive rabbit who would love a forever home this Christmas. Ollie will need a secure cage with plenty of room to hop, and he would ideally love to be a house bunny. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter tray when indoors.

WRECKING

CARAVANS & TRAILERS

To advertise in this section please call

Neutered Male, 1 Year

CARAVANS & TRAILERS

JAYCO Freedom 2004 17 ft double bed air con plus extras vgc Strathfieldsaye $16500 Ph Leon 0427 848 490

LIVESTOCK

Lucerne hay $7 bale, Pea straw $8 bale, Straw $6 bale, Can deliver or pick up Bendigo Ph 0427 304 600

Cat Enclosures

Old, small Trailing offset Cultivator wanted.

Ph 0422 802 658

2006 Windsor 21ft, Sep Shower, toilet, Air/Con, full annex, New tyres, Reg 11/18 $32,950 ono Ph 0418 123 022

PEA STRAW

$8 bale. Min 10 bales del. Free del Bendigo.

Ph 5436 9156

Classifieds

WANTED TO BUY OLD woodworking carpenters tools, planes and books etc for collector/user Ph 0418 510 727.

LEVIS 501 womens w31 Overalls, wmns small $25ea Ph 0418 145 761 CEDAR Door 2025mm x 1165mm Beautifully designed with double window casement PickUp Only. All genuine offers will be considered, Ph Terry 0407 351 445

Classifieds

For Sale

FOR SALE

classifieds • 25 CLASSIFIEDS • 25

www.bendigoweekly.com.au www.bendigoweekly.com.au

5441 2209 PIPER LANE, EAST BENDIGO

MON-SAT 10AM-4PM, SUN & PUB HOLS 10AM-12PM WWW.RSPCAVIC.ORG.AU

BendigoWeekly PUBLISHING 38,200 COPIES EVERY FRIDAY

S 4 WEEK !

FOR $28 *

s Apply

Condition

$28 FOR 4 WEEKS That’s $7 a week!** Includes 5 lines. Extra lines $3.25 See conditions below.

1300 558 385 E: classifieds@bendigopublishing.com

*ONE ITEM ONLY per advert. Exclusions inc. rental hire, ongoing sales, for the purpose of ongoing profit, Business and Services Offered, and Real Estate Listings. **4 weeks price to be paid in full. Advert will run for four consecutive weeks. Unused portions of ads are non-refundable and non-transferable. Sale price must be included. Alteration to PRICE ONLY. The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking

26 • SPORT

www.bendigoweekly.com.au

Bendigo Weekly – Thursday, December 21, 2017

SPORT

Top sides slide into break THE top two sides in Emu Valley cricket will take losing form into the Christmas break while a bolter has soared into top four contention in the final round of matches for 2017.

Sedgwick and Spring Gully both crashed to losses, while West Bendigo recorded another victory to move into fourth.

The Rams were rolled by bottom side Marong at home despite making 229.

Adam Chisholm smashed 89 not out, Andrew Gladstone added 71 and opener Scott Ross chipped in with 45 as the Panthers recorded a huge upset win.

It was just their second triumph of the season and lifted them off the bottom of the table, while it was just Sedgwick’s second loss.

At One Tree Hill Oval, neighbourly rivals Spring Gully and Mandurang did battle in a top-four clash that went the way of the visitors.

A patient Phil Berry (63 off 111) was the mainstay of the innings, with Matt Pask (40 off 48, five fours, two sixes) and James Pietromonaco (30 off 27, three sixes) hitting big.

Berry fell in the penultimate over to James Fox and was replaced by Will Anderson, who clubbed three fours in his seven balls at the crease to set a target of 190 for a bounce-back win for Gully.

That target proved far too much after the innings got off to a rotten start, with opener Jayden Mannix trapped in front by Pietromonaco without scoring.

Lachlan Brook top scored with 43 for a Crows batting lineup that offered little resistance and found itself all out for 139 off 33.2 overs as Mandurang cemented its top four position.

At Ewing Park, an even performance with the bat saw Maiden Gully spring an upset win over United.

Seven of Gully’s eight batsmen used scored at least 16 as they posted 207, led by Dallas Gill (42), Leon Beatty (34) and young gun Darcy Poulter (27).

Shane Rabbitt was the visitors’ main weapon in reply, taking 4/15 off eight overs as the Tigers were bowled out for 154.

Gully’s day was so good that even the one player that failed with the bat, Trevor Pickthall, took four catches and affected a run out in the fielding effort.

Despite the loss, United still sits one spot ahead of Gully on the table in fifth.

And West Bendigo’s third straight win saw it into the top four, taking a four wicket win over Golden Gully behind 60 from Gary Singh.

The EVCA season continues on January 6 with one-day matches.

EYE ON THE BALL: Mandurang’s Will Anderson.

sport@bendigopublishing.com

Ton fires Dragons to win

By JOEL PETERSON

SANDHURST has won a tense clash with Kangaroo Flat to cement its spot in the Bendigo District Cricket Association top four heading into the Christmas break.

The Dragons were led by a stellar performance from Nayana Palamandadige in a high-scoring affair that saw them remain a game clear of fifth-placed Eaglehawk.

Strathdale Maristians sits atop the table after thumping Huntly North Epsom for the second time in a week, with Golden Square and Bendigo within a win of the Suns after also recording victories.

It was the clash between Sandhurst and Kangaroo Flat though that had the most to offer the prospective winner.

The Roos’ bowling attack, by any measure one of the BDCA’s best, was plundered

by Palamandadige to the tune of 114 sparkling runs as Sandhurst made 251.

The Dragons opener was in full control from the opening stages, his footwork negating the spin of Chris Barber while he made full use of the ball coming on to the bat when facing the array of Flat quicks.

The Roos looked in all sorts at 7/130 in reply, before all-rounder Jamie Dass and Adam Burns almost dragged them across the line.

Burns came to the crease in the 37th over with the score at 7/130 and put on a rapid stand of 112 with Dass.

The English recruit was the

BIG HITTER: Nayana Palamandadige cracked 114 against Kangaroo Flat. star, clubbing six fours and as many sixes on his way to 101 from 96 deliveries, while Burns made 39 at better than a run a ball.

Despite the flurry, Flat needed 22 from the last over for victory. After a wide to start the over, Dass clubbed a six of de Silva’s second ball, before two more wides followed.

Dass then smacked a four to bring the Roos within double digits, before he fell two balls later to all but spurn any chance of an unlikely win.

The win put a nine-point buffer between Sandhurst and Flat, and leaves the Roos needing some results when

play resumes after Christmas.

Sandhurst could be higher on the table, but for a points penalty from their earlier match against Kangaroo Flat, where young fast bowler Will Keck was bowled in excess of his allowed eight-over spell under the junior bowler rule.

The Dragons were docked all six points from the victory.

Atop the table, Strathdale holds a one-point margin over Golden Square, having completed the season’s only outright win over Bendigo.

The top four sides have each won five games, but Strathdale’s outright, a round six draw for Square and

Sandhurst’s points penalty have each on different points tallies through seven rounds.

The chasing pack is led by Eaglehawk, who are unbeaten since the opening three weeks of the season, and the Roos in sixth.

White Hills is seventh with 15 points after going down to Bendigo last week, Huntly North Epsom and Strathfieldsaye are locked on 12 points and 2016/17 grand finallist Bendigo United is languishing in last, a game off the pace.

Round eight will be played on Saturday, January 6 with one-day matches.

Thunder unveil Alvarez-Harris as coach NEW Bendigo Thunder coach Luis Alvarez-Harris says he doesn’t have to change much to continue the club’s premiershipwinning ways.

The club introduced Alvarez-Harris to its playing group and supporters on Monday night, following the departure of 2017 premiership coach Cherie O’Neill.

Alvarez-Harris is a premiership player with Kyabram District Football League club Stanhope and has been involved with youth girls academy programs.

“The club’s in a really good position so it’s a very exciting opportunity for me to get involved,” he said.

“Women’s footy is taking off all over the place and obviously the Thunder has been very successful and hopefully I can add a few bits and pieces and continue the fantastic platform that’s already been built by

NEW FACES: Thunder coach Luis AlvarezHarris speaks to the playing group (left) and action from Richmond’s VFL trial (below).

everyone before me.”

It has been a busy week for the club, which hosted Richmond’s VFL side for an invitational VFL screening session at the QEO last Friday.

Around 100 players

were in attendance, with several Thunder stars invited to trial with the Tigers under the watchful eye of Richmond’s women’s football operations boss Kate Sheahan.

Merry Christmas!

To all of our valued listeners and sponsors.

Thank you for your support in 2017.

Best wishes for the year 2018.

Bonnie!

Bendigo: 96.5 • Castlemaine: 106.3 • Request/Studio Line: 5444 1355 • Office: 5444 1377 • Email: klfm@klfm.com.au • www.klfm.com.au

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Bendigo Weekly

SPORT • 27

www.bendigoweekly.com.au

SPORT

Braves sign super seven From Page 28 “(Payne) has been such an integral part of the Spirit program, I think anyone that has seen the games has seen what a fantastic player she is,” Moody said.

“Ash can play all over the place – pretty much one through four for us – so the versatility she brings is really important.

“Then we mix in those younger players and give them the opportunity to shine, and hopefully shine pretty brightly.”

The SEABL season begins on April 6, with a raft of changes for the upcoming campaign.

The two-conference structure will be abolished, giving way to an eight-team finals series.

Restricted player rules will also change, though they are unlikely to affect Lady Braves players.

The side will also have to manege a far longer break between WNBL and SEABL seasons, with around three months between the end of the WNBL season and the start of SEABL. In previous years, the gap has on occasion been a matter of days.

The club will round its roster out with more signings, likely another big to provide some support for Wild and Payne at the forward spots.

Rim protection looks the side’s weakness on paper as currently constructed, but Moody wasn’t giving much away.

We’re still chatting to a couple of players right now, we hope we get who we’re talking to, but it’s such an interesting side now being on the other side of that discussion,” she said.

“I think we’ll have a competitive team but also a great team in terms of being full of good people that is good for the community and great to pass on their knowledge to the next generation coming through.”

sport@bendigopublishing.com

Last chance for Spirit

By JOEL PETERSON

BENDIGO Spirit coach Simon Pritchard has gone in to bat for his side, saying they haven’t quit on the WNBL season.

But he has taken aim at the new competition structure, saying it does not allow coaches to properly develop players and implement necessary week-toweek changes.

The club has four games left in its 2017/18 campaign, is two games adrift from the nearest side and seemingly nailed to the bottom of the WNBL table.

The Spirit has lost its last four matches by an average of 27 points including a record 44-point loss to Melbourne.

Bendigo was beaten by second bottom side Canberra by 11 points last weekend and thrashed by 33 points on Saturday when up against Sydney.

Pritchard said the club is working to ensure players don’t mentally check out of the season, but that his group needs to show more fight.

“It’s that difference between our best and our worst, we shouldn’t be having the huge swings that we are,” he said.

“We just need to have more fight in those situations.”

Pritchard said the team’s woes have been compounded by three straight Thursday night games and subsequent weekend away meaning the club only trains once per week.

“We have a few injuries with Heather Oliver, Gabe Richards and Jessie Rennie so we don’t

OPPORTUNITY: Maddy Wild is one Spirit player who continues to improve. have enough players to train,” he said.

“As coaches, we can’t get any development. That’s a question for the WNBL, because as it stands with the schedule the way it is we can’t develop players.

“And you can hardly change things from week to week. We’ll have played nine games in December at the end of the month.

It’s madness.”

The club’s final month of

double-headers is taking its toll, and the side has trips to Townsville and Adelaide yet to come, this weekend and next respectively.

Pritchard says keeping the group focussed is his main challenge.

“We are doing a lot of work to motivate them and set goals,” he said.

“We need to map out the next four games and see what we can achieve. But we also

need to get some court time into Ahlise Hurst and Kara Tessari and Maddy Wild, because there’s nine months until the next lot of WNBL games and for them that time is invaluable.”

Bendigo plays Dandenong tonight at Bendigo Stadium from 7pm, before heading to Townsville on Saturday.

The Spirit then plays Adelaide on December 28 and finishes the season at home against Sydney on New Years Eve.

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Signing boom for Braves By joel peterson

THE Bendigo Lady Braves have built the foundation of their roster, securing the signatures of seven players for the 2018 South east Australian Basketball League campaign.

Coach Megan Moody has wasted no time on the recruiting front, and has a mix including proven national-level talent, a trio of teenagers and a SEABL debutant.

Nadeen Payne and Ash Karaitiana will swap Spirit colours for those of the Lady Braves in the strongest sign yet of a closer alignment between the Spirit and Braves.

Spirit point guard Kara Tessari will also continue to ply her trade at Bendigo Stadium, in her debut SEABL season.

Four of this year’s Lady Braves side will also return, with Spirit development players Jessie Rennie, Ahlise Hurst and Maddy Wild coming back while sharpshooter Madi Sexton will also come back for another Braves campaign.

The initial crop of players indicates a young, athletic Lady Braves roster with plenty of perimeter shooting.

Moody said she is thrilled with the signings.

“I think we’ve really started things strong with this group.

There’s a good mix of talent and experience there,” she said.

The Lady Braves are coming off a conference title, a run that keyed mostly on veteran recruits.

Moody said the likes of Hurst, Rennie, Sexton, Tessari and Wild can expect plenty of opportunity this season.

“The likes of Ahlise Hurst has come along really well during the Spirit season, the same for Jessie

game ready: Kara Tessari, Jessie Rennie, Nadeen Payne, Ash Karaitiana, Madi Sexton and Ahlise Hurst. and for Maddy Wild who has been going up against the likes of Gabe Richards every week in training,” she said.

“These girls are ready to step up

to a bigger opportunity and carry a bit more of the load and I certainly expect them to do that.”

Payne is a proven WNBL player as well as a star at state league level,

while Karaitiana has also been a number one option in the Queensland Basketball League.

So strong were their respective seasons last year, Karaitiana’s

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